Dangerous vs. Safe Cookware and Utensils (PART 2)

The containers in which you store food and drink and the kitchen utensils you use can have a huge impact on your fertility. Dangerous and toxic compounds from plastics, Teflon, aluminium, stainless steel, copper and possibly others such as silicone (an amalgamation of compounds, and there are no long term studies on its effects on human health), have a direct impact on your ability to conceive and can also lead to miscarriages.

Teflon And Other Non-Stick Surfaces

Since you now understand the dangers of heavy metals, there is no need to go over the dangers of cookware made from single heavy metals such as aluminium or copper, or amalgamations of heavy metals or other substances such as stainless steel and silicone. It is important however, to further understand the role of Teflon and other non-stick coated cookware and utensils on human health.

Non-stick coatings used in the cookware industry are made from either a silicone base or a fluorocarbon (P.T.F.E.) base. Fluorocarbon coatings are applied in one or two layers, plus a “sealer” or topcoat.

Heating fluorocarbons causes a gradual breakdown of the fluoropolymers into a variety of other chemical compounds, which are released into the air—these fumes have been shown to kill household birds—and this is not all. DuPont, the manufacturer of Teflon, acknowledges that the fumes given off by non-stick coatings can also sicken people, in a condition called ‘polymer fume fever’, which can be erroneously diagnosed as the common flu.

No one has ever studied the incidence of illness among users of the billions of non-stick pots and pans sold around the world, or the long-term effects from the sickness. However, given the chemical cocktail which is Teflon, and the fact that it is toxic enough to kill birds, consider what it must do to something as small as the tiniest embryo. In addition, since fluoropolymers have been shown to cause birth defects, adversely affect the immune system and disrupt thyroid function (which can cause infertility),—one can safely assume cooking with such utensils would not be in your best interest.

If the fumes were not enough, once the Teflon coating becomes even lightly scratched, it flakes and is often combined with food during cooking. This means that these toxic compounds manage to gain free access into the body in ‘large quantities’, besides the toxic fumes.

According to a study commissioned by the Environmental Working Group, non-stick pots and pans can reach 700 degrees Fahrenheit (370oC) in three to five minutes, releasing 15 harmful gases and chemicals, including two carcinogens, two global pollutants, and MFA, a chemical lethal to humans at low doses. Non-stick coatings break down to a chemical warfare agent known as PFIB, and a chemical analogue of the WWII nerve gas, phosgene.

Other General Uses of Teflon

The dramatic part of the story when it comes to Teflon is that it is used in so many household items and industries (some of which you may be completely unaware) that it is difficult, but not impossible, to reduce exposure.

Industrial uses for Teflon fluoropolymers includes the following areas: architectural, fabrics, automotive uses, cabling materials, food processing, pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturing, and semiconductor manufacturing. Products include industrial and medical tubing, films, chemical linings, coatings on electrical insulation, fabrics, metals, electronic data insulation and telecommunications.

They can be found in many different products including:

• Automotive products;
• Carpet;
• Cleaning products;
• Clothing, including kids;
• Computer accessories;
• Cookware;
• Fashion accessories;
• Furniture;
• Gardening products;
• Luggage;
• Medical supplies;
• Miscellaneous household products;
• Music supplies;
• Paints/coatings;
• Personal care products;
• Pet supplies;
• Sporting and outdoor gear
• And more.

Here are some tips for reducing your exposure to toxic Teflon fluoropolymers:

• Replace all non-stick cookware and equipment in your home with enamelled cast iron cookware and wooden/bamboo utensils;
• When you purchase furniture or carpet, decline optional treatments for stain and dirt resistance, and insist on products that have not been pre-treated with chemicals. Most of these chemical treatments contain fluoropolymers that might contaminate your home and family;
• Avoid buying clothing with labels that indicate it has been coated to repel water, stains, or dirt. Many of these coatings are fluoropolymers. By buying alternatives you will help shrink the fluoropolymer market and the associated global contamination;
• Minimise packaged food and greasy fast foods in your diet. These may be sold in containers that are coated with fluoropolymers to keep grease from soaking through the packaging. Fluoropolymers are used in a wide variety of containers, including French-fry boxes, pizza boxes and microwave popcorn bags—luckily you will not be eating these foods during your preconception preparation. However, do be aware of other supposedly healthy products packaged in such containers.
• Mainly consume organic, fresh, unprocessed produce delivered in nature’s intended package—its own skin!
• Avoid buying cosmetics and other personal care products with the words ‘fluoro’ or ‘perfluoro’ on the ingredient list. Products that might contain fluoropolymers include lotions, pressed powders, nail polish, and shaving cream. Try to always buy chemical-free personal hygiene items and if you are unsure, check the Environmental Working Group’s cosmetic safety database at www.cosmeticdatabase.com. Also read the following section on chemicals for more information on how to protect your health and that of your prospective family.

For more information on the household use of Teflon fluoropolymers visit http://tinyurl.com/2out6o

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