What is “Teflon Flu”? Illnesses linked to Teflon-coated frying pans are on the rise

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When Teflon-coated pans are heated to high temperatures, the fumes can make people sick. (Photo by Newscast/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Cases of polymer fume fever (also known as “Teflon cold”) include: Illness linked to smoke from Teflon frying pansis increasing.

According to the American Poison Centers, poison centers across the U.S. recorded 267 suspected cases of polymer fume fever in 2023, the most since 2000. In total, poison centers have recorded more than 3,600 suspected cases of the disease since they began tracking it more than 20 years ago.

Dr. Kate Brown, clinical director for the American Poison Center, said not all cases of polymer fume fever are linked to use of Teflon pans at home, although some cases are linked to exposure in the workplace or elsewhere.

Related: The FDA said the cinnamon was recalled after testing showed high levels of lead contamination.

What is the “Teflon flu”?

According to the National Institutes of Health, polymer fume fever, or “Teflon flu,” is a flu-like illness caused by inhaling the thermal decomposition byproducts of fluorocarbons.

Related: FDA again extends deadline for banning formaldehyde in hair care products

Overheating polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-coated Teflon cookware is the most common form of exposure, but inadequate ventilation in the workplace and poor hand hygiene after handling raw materials are also risk factors for the disease, the NIH says.

Symptoms of “Teflon flu”

According to the NIH, symptoms of polymer fume fever include:

• heat
• Stagnation
• shortness of breath
• Chest pressure
• Dry cough

FILE – Flipping pancakes on a Teflon-coated pan (Photo by Frank Weese/Allentown Morning Call/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Symptoms usually appear a few hours after exposure and usually don't show up on a laboratory test or chest X-ray, but “more severe exposure may result in leukocytosis and pulmonary edema,” the NIH says.

Recovery usually occurs within a few days. Death or permanent disability is extremely rare.

Related: Nearly half of cancer deaths among U.S. adults could be prevented with lifestyle changes, study finds

How to use nonstick pans safely

Manufacturers say nonstick cookware should not be used at temperatures above 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature usually reached during roasting.

by Teflon WebsiteHere's how to use a nonstick pan safely:

• Never preheat a nonstick pan over high heat without food inside. Always start on a low heat with a fat like oil or butter, or with food inside. Empty pots and pans can heat up quickly and start to deteriorate the coating. Butter, fats and cooking oils start to smoke at 204 °C (400 °F).
• Use your stove's exhaust fan while cooking.
• Use a stove burner that is appropriate for the size of the pot base.
• Before using your oven's self-cleaning setting, remove all cookware and bakeware stored inside the oven.

Note: If you need emergency assistance, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 to speak with a poison expert or visit PoisonHelp.org for support and resources.

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