Is there an extra ingredient in nonstick pans:
Is there an extra ingredient in nonstick pans?
By FSNET Jul 27, 2005, 13:49 http://www.foodconsumer.org/777/8/Is..._pans_.sht ml The question of whether Teflon cookware is safe has, according to this story, moved from Web site chatter to the courtroom, but scientists are also examining the chemical makeup of other products like food containers to gauge their potential hazards. The story says that in each instance, the substance being questioned is perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA. Studies have shown that PFOA causes cancer and other health problems in laboratory animals, and it is under scrutiny by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration. The Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit environmental research and advocacy organization financed by foundations including the Rockefeller, Family Fund and the Joyce Foundation, was cited as saying that items other than pans are likely to be the major sources of PFOA. But the group, along with many scientists, points out a different problem: an empty overheated Teflon-coated pan does pose a risk by releasing toxic fumes. DuPont does not dispute that, but there is no agreement between the company and Teflon's critics over what temperature releases the fumes. The Environmental Working Group says 325 degrees, or a medium flame; DuPont says 660 degrees. DuPont tells consumers at its Web site that the fumes can injure pet birds and cause flulike symptoms in humans at "abnormally" high temperatures, a condition that the company says can last a couple of days. Other reports say that the fumes can kill birds. The story says that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency began studying PFOA in 1999 and a draft report of its findings has been reviewed by an outside science advisory panel, which has said that PFOA is a likely human carcinogen. The E.P.A. disagrees and wants to describe it as a suggestive human carcinogen. The story notes that the F.D.A. has looked at PFOA in microwaveable popcorn packaging and found that the chemical migrates to the oil from the packaging during heating. But George Pauli, associate director for science and policy in the office of food additive safety at the F.D.A., was cited as saying the levels found in the microwave packaging are low, adding, "We don't see anything at this time to say it's a safety issue. Food doesn't appear to be a major source." Julie DeYoung, a spokeswoman for Phoenix Packaging, a division of ConAgra Foods, was quoted as saying,: "Studies on PFOA are preliminary, but we are taking the issue seriously and are talking with our paper suppliers about the issue. If the government tells paper suppliers to make changes, we'll support that." ConAgra makes Orville Redenbacher's and Act II microwave popcorn and private label brands. July 27, 2005 The New York Times Marian Burros |
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