This Common Cooking Mistake Can Trigger ‘Teflon Flu’

Teflon pans are an integral part of any cookware, preventing eggs, pancakes, and other food from sticking to their surface. Unlike cast iron, which requires a seasoning process, or stainless steel, which can be tricky to work with, non-stick pans are easy to use. But while Teflon coatings make cooking easier, they also have a hidden health danger that many people aren’t familiar with called Teflon Flu.

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What is Teflon Flu?

Teflon flu occurs when you heat a non-stick pan beyond 500 degrees.  At that point, the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating on the pan begins to polymerize and release fumes into the air. Breathing in these fumes can cause flu-like symptoms, including difficulty breathing, chest tightness, headaches, coughing, and even a low grade fever. It does not cause other flu-like symptoms, such as runny nose and congestion. 

The symptoms usually appear within 2 to 24 hours of exposure and resolve themselves in a couple of days. Teflon flu has become a growing issue in recent years, with cases spiking to 265 in 2023, the highest in more than 20 years, according to America’s Poison Centers. Cases often go unreported as many people don’t realize their symptoms are a result of overheating non-stick cookware, instead attributing them to a virus.  

Even more alarming is that scientists and doctors aren’t yet able to determine what the long term effects of being exposed to PTFE fumes are, but they have been associated with certain cancers and thyroid conditions. 

Related: Here's How You're Ruining Your Non-Stick Pans

How do you prevent Teflon flu?

Safe use of your nonstick cookware is key to avoiding Teflon flu in your home:

• Dispose of damaged cookware: check your non-stick cookware for damage. Cookware in which the coating is peeling or scratched is more likely to release fumes and should therefore be replaced. Only use wooden, plastic,or silicone cooking utensils with non-stick cookware to avoid damaging the coating.
  
• Avoid high temperatures: This is the most important thing you can do to protect you and your family from Teflon flu. Never heat a non-stick pan beyond a surface temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which is low to medium heat. USe your cast iron and stainless steel pans for searing at high temperatures. If you want to be extra safe, buy an infrared thermometer to check the pan temperature while you’re cooking. It’s also a handy tool to have for cooking.
  

What Should I Do If I Inhale Fumes?

If you’ve overheated your teflon pan and suspect  it’s releasing fumes, turn off the heat immediately and open windows and doors to ventilate the area. Get everyone outside the house and monitor for symptoms. 

Bird Owners Beware

It’s important to note that birds are extremely sensitive to PTFE fumes due to their small size and highly efficient respiratory system, which makes them susceptible to airborne toxins. Even a small amount of exposure to these fumes can be lethal to birds.