A few months ago, I told you about the dangers of Teflon, the non-stick surface used on many pots and pans. I showed you how the main ingredient of Teflon (PFOA) can cause everything from cancer to birth defects. But what most people do not realize is that this chemical is found in a lot more products than just pots and pans.
In addition to nonstick pans, you can also find it in pizza boxes and popcorn bags. In fact, microwavable containers, such as those sold with frozen dinners, contain PFOA. Since its in so many products, you should not be surprised that there is a 95% chance you have detectable levels of PFOA in your blood.
But hopefully that will change soon. Because of PFOAs connection to cancer and birth defects, chemical giant DuPont and seven other companies have agreed to limit its release into the environment.
This is good news. But its still just a tiny piece of a larger problem. We have known about the problems of PFOA for years. And the companies are just now making changes. Plus, they release thousands of other chemicals every year. Who knows what those do to us?
This is definitely the age of man-made chemicals. Some of them are great. But some of them are dangerous.
You can do your part to keep the environment safe. Avoid the hype of new man-made chemicals and drugs. Try to use products with the least amount of unnatural components possible. And do not use Teflon at all. These pots release toxic chemicals when you expose them to high temperatures.
So stay away from these products. Your grandchildren will thank you. Ref: Harmful Teflon Chemical To Be Eliminated by 2015, Washington Post Staff Writer Thursday, January 26, 2006; Page A01[4].