Local experts warn residents about “Teflon Flu” and offer ways to avoid it
"Teflon Flu"
DELMARVA – Many Americans who cook every day do it for family, for fun, or to stay fit. What if your pans could be posing a potential health problem? In 2023, there were over 250 cases of Polymer fume fever across the U.S. This is the highest number of cases since 2000, according to America’s Poison Centers.
Polymer fume fever, also known as “Teflon flu,” is a condition, from the use of nonstick pans, according to ABC News. Delmarva resident Michael Cerciello says he’s been cooking for himself for over 50 years, and he doesn’t use non-stick pans for that reason. “I don’t like coatings on my cookware, I believe in butter and oil,” Cerciello said. “It’s not new science, it’s been rumored for years now, it’s a chemical-based coating… When you chip it, it’s going to be issues, and I don’t want to put that farm metallic substance in my body.”
Dr. Sally Dowling, Vice President of Atlantic General, says symptoms include chest tightness, coughing, difficulty breathing, and headaches. They can last between 24 and 48 hours. Dr. Dowling says fumes are dispelled when the pan reaches higher than 450 degrees or higher. “It puts off this fume, which then degrades and then is inhaled by people can cause flu like symptoms,” Dr. Dowling said. “As far as we’re aware, there are no long-term effects or consequences of this, but one can imagine that it’s not great for you to be inhaling fumes.”
So, what pans can one safely use? Chef Carl Frelix IV of Sunny Bay Cafe in Rehoboth Beach has the answers. “I would recommend you stay with your stainless-steel products, your cast iron products, your ceramics,” Frelix said. “[If] it has discoloration a lot of scratches, it’s time to go, you have to throw this away.” Frelix says most commercial kitchens use flat tops or stainless steel and discourages the use of metal scrubbers. He says there are plenty of safe non-stick sprays and oils you can use if you’re worried about food sticking.
If you must use Teflon-coated pans, Frelix asks that you please take care of them. “If you’re just in love with the Teflon, make sure you’re washing them with just a cloth, you know what I’m saying,” Frelix said, “when you start seeing any wear and tear, scratches, you have to replace those.”
Cerciello feels there really is no need for that, though. “I just feel safer taking care of a regular pan-a restaurant-quality aluminum or cast-iron pan that doesn’t have any coatings on it. that’s used properly, that’s cleaned properly. There’s no reason for a no—stick surface.”
There is no magical treatment for Teflon flu, but preventative steps that you can take include staying hydrated, cooking in a well-ventilated area, and properly cleaning pans. Be sure to call your doctor and head to the ER if symptoms become severe.
