- Image by Umang Dutt via Flickr
Did you know that Teflon contains chemicals which kill birds?
This is not new news but rather like its namesake it has the ability to slip off the radar. The problem with Teflon is that it contains chemicals known as PTFE and PFOAs. The Environmental Working Group has published a study which clearly charts just how dangerous this still very common material is.
Equally as compelling are comments from people like Jojo Milano who wrote over at LA Green Girl Siel Siel’s blog that;
As a long time bird owner, we knew years ago how dangerous and toxic Teflon, no stick is. As Birds were dropping dead from frying up some thing in the kitchen or using the brand new stove, coffee pot, microwave and so on. The Teflon is not just in these NO stick pans. Its everywhere. And bird owners across the world were coming together in groups wondering what killed their parrots?
The good news
There are safe non-stick alternatives. There’s a product called GreenPan which makes really good cookware and which avoids every trace of PTFE and PFOA.
GreenPan products aren’t always easy to find, though, especially not here in the UK.
Sometimes the old solutions are simply the better solution. An effective way to avoid Teflon and the death it causes is to simply use cast iron or stainless steel alternatives. Thankfully it is now possible to get good quality, complete cookware sets* for sensible prices today.
In Pure Spirit
Do you have any items in your household that makes use of Telfon? You might need to check again as it isn’t simply on cookware these days but used in products such as bed covers, furniture and decorations.
Do you think Telfon products should carry stickers warning of the danger they pose to the environment?
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