Teflon is in Your Food Packaging and You Don't Even Know It

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http://www.mercola.com/2005/aug/11/teflon.htm

 

Teflon is in Your Food Packaging and You Don't Even Know It

 

Perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, is used to make Teflon and nonstick

cookware. Studies have shown that PFOA causes cancer and other health

problems in laboratory animals. PFOA is one of the toxic chemicals

released when Teflon-coated pans are overheated.

 

Carcinogens in Popcorn Packaging

 

Now it's been reported that there are likely other major sources of

PFOA out there -- items like food containers and packaging.

Fluorotelomers, which are chemicals used in food packaging as well as

in rugs and clothing, break down into PFOA in the environment and when

you ingest them. Several animal studies have demonstrated this,

including one by the Environmental Protection Agency.

 

In one frightening example, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has

looked at microwaveable popcorn packaging and found that PFOA is not

only present, but that it migrates to the oil from the packaging

during heating.

 

Other than microwave popcorn bags, fluorotelomers are used in:

 

* Packaging for fast foods like sandwiches, chicken and French fries

* Packaging for pizza, bakery items, drinks and candy

* Paper plates

 

It's in Your Blood

 

PFOA can now be found in the blood of 90 percent of Americans, and in

one study that tested 600 children, 96 percent had PFOA in their

blood. Unfortunately, while you can choose whether or not to use

Teflon pans, there is currently no way for consumers to tell if

packaging contains fluorotelomers.

 

Food Consumer July 27, 2005

 

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

 

Teflon toxicity isn't anything new. I have been warning you of the

dangers for many years. What is new is that this dangerous chemical is

showing up all around us now. It seems to be pervasive and our

clueless regulatory agencies aren't doing a darn thing to protect you

from it.

 

My new book coming out this fall will review the reasons why this is

so. If you ever thought the FDA was protecting you from this type of

chemical assault, you better get a firm grip on reality because they

aren't.

 

You will need to take the situation into your own hands. The first

step is to toss out every pan in your house that has Teflon on it. The

moment you heat the pan is starts to vaporize and this toxic chemical

will go into your bloodstream. I know it is hard to believe, but it is

true. It took me a few years to become convinced, but once you are you

have no logical choice but to throw those pans out and never buy

another one.

 

Remember DuPont is the maker of Teflon, and they are the same company

that brought you silicon breast implants. They are no defender and

crusader for your health.

 

Many have asked me about alternatives to Teflon. Some have pointed out

a non-stick, ceramic-coated titanium that is clearly not Teflon. I

thought it looked intriguing, and on my recent trip to Costco I found

this product. I honestly thought it might have been the same new

titanium nanotechnology that allows windows to clean themselves.

 

The salesman was absolutely clueless about the chemicals in the pan,

but so was the company when I called them up. I finally was able to

get the name of the manufacturer of the coating and once I called them

I confirmed that the coating on the pan was indeed not Teflon.

However, it was still a fluoride analog that was virtually identical

to it. The only advantage of this product is that the ceramic prevents

the finish from chipping as easily.

 

Lesson learned?

 

If it looks like a duck (Teflon) and works like a duck (Teflon), it

probably is Teflon or something so close to it your body will never

tell the difference.

 

You simply MUST throw these pots and pans away. Do not leave them in

your home or you will be tempted to use them. Please believe me; I am

absolutely convinced they are very dangerous and you should not be

exchanging the convenience for the health damage.

 

Related Articles:

 

More Troubles With Teflon Toxicity

 

Could Your Kitchenware be Causing Your Health Problems?

 

EPA Says Teflon Could Put Your Health at Risk