Nov. 6, 2009 - Slow Death by Rubber Duck

I've moved on to the chapter about "the world's slipperiest substance", Teflon and the PFC's that are related to it. These chemicals (perfluorinated compounds) are not only used to provide frying pans with a non-stick coating but also to line pizza boxes, popcorn bags and windshield wipers and to make bullets as well as computer mice. They are even sprayed on carpet, upholstery and clothes to make them stain-free. One of the chemicals in this group, PFOA - perfluorooctanoic acid, is considered by scientists to be a carcinogen.

In the manufacturing industry, this chemical is invaluable because it is so durable. It is fireproof, it resists other chemicals and nothing sticks to it. But it is these exact properties that cause it to endanger human health and the environment. From stomach acids to sunlight - nothing can get rid of it. It hangs around for centuries. It lasts for 20 days in the atmosphere, changing to a deadly acid as it travels to areas as far away as the Arctic.  It has even been found in polar bears whose levels of PFOA have increased by twenty percent since the year 2000.

Sounds nasty to me, but how can we avoid PFC's? As far as avoiding Teflon, the authors recommend using heavy gauge cast iron, stainless steel or enamel-coated cast iron frying pans. If handled properly, cast iron pans last much longer than non-stick pans which need to be replaced every few years when the coating is scratched.  Their advice for cooking with cast iron? Make sure the pan is hot enough, use a generous coating of vegetable oil and believe it or not, a metal spatula.

The carpet spraying experiment chronicled in this chapter was particularly revealing. Of all the chemicals tested by the authors, the toxins produced by a stain-repellant carpet treatment affected them the most. Believe it or not, during the spraying treatment, no masks were used and the authors were only told to stay out of the room for 20 minutes in order for the chemicals to disperse.

A lot to ponder here. It's difficult to remove all exposure to the products mentioned here. I don't think we need to run out and buy new products or change our habits immediately. But, next time I'm due for a new frying pan, I'll certainly avoid Teflon and perhaps opt for a strong cast iron pan instead. My husband, the chef, has been asking for one for years. This may be the Christmas he'll get it!