(News Nation) — The number of Americans falling ill with “Teflon flu,” caused by toxic fumes from Teflon frying pans, is at a record high.
The illness, known as polymer fume fever, has seen 267 suspected cases reported since 2000, according to the National Poison Centers.
Symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, nausea and coughing. The nickname polymer fume fever comes from non-stick frying pans such as Teflon, which are made from polytetrafluoroethylene.
It is known as a “forever chemical” due to its ability to persist in the environment for long periods of time.
Studies have shown that if you keep your nonstick pans below 500 degrees Fahrenheit, they’re unlikely to deteriorate their coating or produce harmful fumes.
“When burned, it releases a very complex mixture of oxyfluorine compounds.” Zach HudsonAssociate Professor of Chemistry at the University of British Columbia The Washington Post High temperature non-stick frying pan cooking.
“That’s why they say you shouldn’t heat a Teflon pan to high temperatures.”
Chemours, which owns Teflon, tried to ease concerns in a statement to The Washington Post.
“Several studies have demonstrated that this substance does not accumulate in the body and is rapidly eliminated from the body following accidental exposure,” the report states.