Have you ever wondered what makes your non-stick pan so slippery? Or how some fabrics can resist stains and wrinkles? Or how some pipes can carry corrosive fluids without leaking? The answer is PTFE. PTFE stands for polytetrafluoroethylene, and it’s a synthetic material that has many amazing properties. It’s one of the most widely used PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which are a group of chemicals that have been around since the s.
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But what exactly is PTFE Teflon? How does it differ from other PFAS? What are some of the products that are made of PTFE? And most importantly, how can you choose the right PTFE product for your specific application?
In this article, we will answer these questions and more, to help you understand the wonders of PTFE.
PTFE Teflon is a brand name of PTFE-based products made by Chemours, a company that was spun off from DuPont, which discovered PTFE by accident in . PTFE Teflon is one of the most popular and widely used brands of PTFE, but it’s not the only one. There are other brands of PTFE, such as Fluon, Hostaflon and Polyflon, that have similar features and uses.
PTFE Teflon is a type of plastic that is made of long chains of carbon atoms with two fluorine atoms attached to each carbon. The fluorine atoms act like a shield around the carbon chain, making it very stable and resistant to almost anything. The plastic doesn’t melt below 327°C (620°F), and it has the lowest friction of any known solid.
PTFE Teflon sheet is a thin layer of PTFE that can be used for many purposes. It can be made by cutting or pressing PTFE into sheets of different thicknesses and sizes. PTFE Teflon sheet has very little friction, very high strength and very high chemical resistance.
PTFE Teflon sheet can be used for:
PTFE Teflon is generally safe for most applications. However, there are some potential health and environmental risks associated with PFAS, the class of chemicals that includes PTFE. PFAS are persistent in the environment and can build up in the human body over time. Some studies have linked PFAS exposure to negative effects on the immune system, hormone levels, reproduction and development.
Therefore, it’s important to use PTFE Teflon products responsibly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions. For example, when using PTFE Teflon cookware, don’t overheat it above 260°C (500°F), as this can cause the coating to break down and release toxic fumes. Also, dispose of PTFE Teflon products properly and avoid releasing them into the environment.
To choose the right PTFE product for your application, you need to consider the following factors:
Care for nonstick pans appropriately. All nonstick cookware, regardless of the coating, should be well cared for, because the coating can deteriorate over time, making it more likely to release potentially harmful chemicals. Avoid using nonstick pans with high heat, and never heat up a pan while it’s empty. Use soft utensils such as those made of silicone or wood, don’t stack your pans, use oil or butter instead of cooking sprays (which can cause a buildup on the pans that is difficult to remove), and wash them by hand, avoiding abrasive cleaners and sponges. If your pans are scratched, flaking, or damaged, stop using them. And because cooking with a PTFE-coated pan may release potentially harmful gases, ventilate your kitchen by using an exhaust fan, if you can.
Plastics are ubiquitous in the kitchen and can affect health by introducing harmful substances into our food and water in at least two main ways: through plastic chemicals and through microplastics.
Plastic manufacturing uses thousands of chemicals, and some can leach into food during and after production. Phthalates make plastic flexible, and they are also associated with developmental and reproductive toxicity. A recent CR test of nearly 100 foods found phthalates in almost all products tested.
Bisphenols are commonly used to make plastics rigid; they’re also used in food packaging. You may be familiar with BPA, just one of more than 100 bisphenols. It’s linked to a multitude of concerns, including developmental toxicity, reproductive toxicity, and early puberty.
Given these issues, there has been a push to remove BPA from products. Unfortunately, it’s sometimes replaced with other bisphenols that, while less extensively researched, have been linked to hormone disruption and early puberty. One thing is clear: Swapping in other bisphenols for BPA is not inherently a safer choice. The same pattern holds for phthalates. In CR’s recent tests, we found that the concentrations of replacement chemicals were often much higher than the originals.
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Plastics can also shed tiny pieces called microplastics, which also contaminate food. These particles can release not only bisphenols and phthalates but also other toxic substances they’ve absorbed from the environment, like heavy metals and polycyclic hydrocarbons. In addition, preliminary research suggests that the particles themselves may accumulate in the body, triggering an immune response and other health problems.
Aluminum foil, another food prep go-to, has a number of environmental concerns, especially given that it’s typically used once and tossed. Aluminum manufacturing is a source of perfluorocarbons, persistent greenhouse gases that exacerbate climate change. Manufacturing foil uses a lot of energy—typically relying on coal—and can divert land from rainforests and farmland relied on by native communities. The process also creates toxic waste that can contaminate water.
Despite the pervasiveness of plastic and aluminum foil, we can take steps to reduce our use:
Swap out plastic food storage for glass or stainless steel. Though they are more expensive than single-use plastics in the short run, they can be used endlessly, making the long-term reward worth the initial investment.
Try reusable silicone storage bags instead of single-use zip-top plastic bags. Silicone storage bags can go in the dishwasher and are great for the freezer. Unlike plastic zip-top bags, they can be used over and over.
Limit use of plastic utensils and tools. Choose bamboo, wood, stainless steel, and food-grade or medical-grade silicone spatulas, cooking spoons, cutting boards, and other gadgets.
Cut back on your use of aluminum foil to reduce waste. Consider marinating foods in glass containers instead of foil, invest in a ceramic nonstick cookie sheet or use parchment paper instead of lining a sheet with foil, and use a stainless steel basket for your grill rather than wrapping foods in foil. When you do use aluminum foil, make sure to rinse and recycle it because aluminum is one of the most recyclable materials in existence.
Don’t heat up food in plastic. It doesn’t matter if you’re doing so in the microwave, in hot water (like baby bottles), or otherwise. Even if the container says that it’s okay to heat, plastic is more likely to leach harmful chemicals when heated.
Try beeswax or fabric coverings as a way to protect your food. Traditional waxed paper is often coated in paraffin wax, which can be contaminated with carcinogenic compounds if not fully refined.
Plates, bowls, and cups are also common plastic offenders, especially products for children. Just like plastic cooking tools and food storage bags, these items can leach microplastics, phthalates, and bisphenols, so they’re best avoided.
And look out for lead. This toxic metal can be found in ceramics, from glazes and pigments, and in some glassware, from the manufacturing process. Lead exposure is linked to many health concerns, including brain and developmental issues in children and hypertension, reproductive problems, and more in adults.
To spot safer options, use our dinnerware and glassware tips.
Avoid plastic dinnerware. Choose dinnerware made from stainless steel, glass, or ceramic. Make sure glass and ceramics are made without lead by using our tips below.
For small children, opt for silicone or stainless steel over plastic. Both are durable and drop-safe. Look for products that list only medical-grade silicone on packaging to ensure that they’re made with a higher purity standard.
Exercise caution with vintage and imported ceramics. While the Food and Drug Administration has regulated lead in ceramics since , vintage and imported ceramics may still pose risks. Consider permanently relegating these to your display china cabinet.
Beware of lead in glassware. Crystal is not regulated in the same way as ceramics, so new crystal glassware can still contain lead. Make sure to check labels on new glassware items to ensure that they’re lead-free.
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