"Peter Dy" > wrote in message
. com...
>
> > wrote in message
> ...
> > On Tue, 10 Feb 2004 22:59:57 GMT, KWR > wrote:
> >
> > >
> > >My biggest issue with coated non-stick frying pans is the way the
> > >surface starts to send off fumes when it reaches cooking temperature. I
> > >had a small rectangular frypan once (japanese omelette) which I was
> > >giddily pleased to have purchased, until I found it was a worst
offender
> > >on that count. I couldn't take the plasticy odor and think I got rid of
> > >the pan. I'm given to understand now that vapors from burning teflon
> > >compounds will take out small pet birds.
> > >
> >
> > Teflon is made from a compound called PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene),
> > which, when heated beyond a certain temperature (I can't recall the
> > figure), will give off toxic fumes.
>
>
> Yeah. That's the funny thing. The directions on the pan usually say not
to
> use it on high heat, but TV cooking personalities all say it is fine.
Never
> understood that. I'll stick with my pure aluminum pans, no pun intended.
>
>
> Peter
>
>

First of all, you are very unlikely to cause the generation of toxic gas
from a Teflon cooker. If any were to be generated, the source is so small
(the thin layer on the pan) that you are likely to be in more danger from a
fart.

Dom Amato