Nonstick Cookware (PTFE/Teflon-Coated Pans) — household safety profile
Moderate riskPTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene, brand name Teflon) coated cookware.
What is this product?
PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene, brand name Teflon) coated cookware. PTFE is stable up to 260C (500F); above this temperature it begins to decompose, releasing toxic fumes including PFIB, HF, TFE, and ultrafine PTFE particles. Normal cooking temperatures (150-200C) are safe. Overheating empty pans, using on high heat, or leaving pans unattended on burners can reach decomposition temperatures within minutes. Polymer fume fever causes flu-like symptoms; PTFE fumes are lethal to pet birds.
What's in it
Click any compound name for its full safety profile, regulatory consensus, and exposure data.
Manufacturing Residual
Who's most at risk
- Children — Developing endocrine and neurological systems, higher exposure per body weight
Red flags — when to walk away
- Strong chemical odor from new product — Off-gassing of volatile chemicals.
Green flags — what to look for
- GREENGUARD or UL certification — Tested for low chemical emissions.
Safer alternatives
- Stainless steel cookware — 304/316 — inert, no coating to degrade
- Cast iron — seasoned — naturally nonstick with use
- Carbon steel — develops natural nonstick patina
Frequently asked questions
Who should be careful with Nonstick Cookware (PTFE/Teflon-Coated Pans)?
Vulnerable populations identified for this product type: children.
Are there safer alternatives to Nonstick Cookware (PTFE/Teflon-Coated Pans)?
Yes — consider: Stainless steel cookware; Cast iron; Carbon steel. See the Safer alternatives section above for details.
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Open in home View raw API dataReference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific information. Why we built ALETHEIA →