According to an online news report posted on healthline.com, Teflon is a well-known and popular nonstick substance used on pots and pans for many decades. Not all nonstick pots and pans are made with Teflon. Teflon is a brand name for the chemical called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Polytetrafluoroethylene is used in many other applications such as fabric protection, pharmaceutical products, automotive products, and other consumer goods. There is a very good chance that your home has Teflon-coated products.
Does Teflon Cause Cancer?
The health issue that government agencies and health experts are concerned with is not about Teflon but the chemical used in the manufacturing process of Teflon. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a synthetic chemical that was once used to make Teflon. When the chemical is manufactured, it is released into the environment and never degrades. Research studies show that PFOA can remain inside the human body to indefinitely. When someone has accumulated PFOA and other polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their body, they could develop the following cancers:
- Bladder
- Ovarian
- Kidney
- Testicular
- Prostate
Additional research studies have found that exposure to PFAS could cause:
- Elevated cholesterol levels
- Liver enzyme changes
- Lowered vaccine response
- Preeclampsia and high blood pressure in pregnant women
- Low birth weight
- And other health effects.
Some tests conducted on birds showed the chemical to cause convulsions, breathing problems, and death. During these tests, pans made prior to 2013 that were manufactured with Teflon were heated. The birds were then exposed to the fumes emanating from the cookware. Teflon made today uses a different chemical that may still cause health issues. There are approximately 4,700 various PFAS in use, and very few have been tested for safety.
If you or your family have pre-2013 Teflon products, you should replace those items and remove them from your home. If you believe that Teflon caused you or your family member’s illness or cancer, call Parker Waichman LLP for your free care review. If qualified, you could be entitled to recover a substantial amount of compensation to cover related medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering.
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