Modern man has long been accustomed to the fact that in his kitchen there are dishes with Teflon coating. It is very convenient - the products on it do not burn even with minimal use of oil. It would seem that one can only rejoice at this invention. However, researchers from the UK (University of Exeter) took up this coating and conducted its research for 7 years. They were interested in the effect of Teflon on the environment and human and animal health. The results were, to put it mildly, unexpected. Scientists have found that Teflon coating is not so safe. The harm to his human health seems obvious. Is it really? Let's try to figure it out.
What is Teflon?
Today it is one of the most publicized industrial products, which is widely used in the production of various kitchen utensils, aerospace and textile industries, in cardiology, for the production of heart valves, and the manufacture of packages for microwave ovens.
Teflon has a very complex chemical structure. It is known that its composition includes many toxic substances that, when heated, get into food and air. The more often, for example, a Teflon-coated pan is heated to a high temperature, the sooner the coating bursts, and its volatile substances and its smallest particles fall into the air.
Strong detergents accelerate this process. Substances released from Teflon are harmful to human health, and very small doses are even fatal to birds living in your home.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) - Teflon is a substance similar in composition to plastic. He found wide application in the manufacture of all "non-sticky" kitchen items. Previously, researchers believed that substances that are released from Teflon do not fall into nature, but even if they do, they do not decompose, in other words, remain biologically inert.
Unfortunately, this was a fallacy. Today it is proved that toxic substances gradually accumulate in nature, in humans and animals. So far, only two of almost 100 species of these substances have been well studied.
the cloth
PTFE (Teflon) fabrics are produced in two versions - on an adhesive basis or without it. Used glue imported. Teflon fabric is from 80 to 230 microns thick.
This material is available in the form of a fabric of especially durable fiberglass, which is impregnated with a non-stick Teflon layer. It has a light brown, brown or black color. The adhesive layer is applied on one side. It is a multifunctional material with a very wide range of uses.
It is applied in paper production, aircraft industry. In addition, the fabric has found application in the production of printed products, clothing. Relatively recently, it began to be used in medicine, in the manufacture of glass products, in construction.
The manufacturers of this material claim that the Teflon coating applied to it does not harm a person. They believe that their products are not exposed to such high temperatures at which the destruction of the surface layer can begin.
Teflon tape
This material is available with a film-based adhesive. It has a Teflon coating and a layer of silicone glue. It is used for equipment in the food, packaging, textile, chemical, woodworking and rubber industries.
Teflon tape has unique properties:
- non-stick surface;
- thermal stability (from -60 to +200 );
- chemical inertness allowing contact with products;
- high resistance to chemical environments;
- low coefficient of friction;
- high tensile strength;
- dielectric properties.
Teflon tape is used in:
- heating and sealing elements of packaging machines and BEG machines;
- in special equipment for welding plastics, belt conveyors. It is used for lamination, in duplicate processes, insulation of electrical cables.
Teflon coated tablecloths
Today, many housewives prefer to use just such tablecloths. They have an attractive appearance, do not need complicated care, and are very practical.
A teflon tablecloth is usually used as a cover for a dining table. It reliably protects the countertop, it is perfectly washable. This product has a teflon layer that is resistant to moisture and various contaminants.
This coating is applied to the fabric base. It can be linen, polyester, cotton, etc. The teflon tablecloth attracts buyers primarily due to the ease of maintenance - it is enough to simply wipe it with a damp cloth. If serious contamination appears, then without removing it from the table, wash it with a mild detergent. After that, wash it with clean water and wipe dry.
You can wash it if necessary, preferably by hand, at a maximum temperature of -40 degrees. During washing, it is important not to make creases on it, so as not to damage the Teflon coating. No harm to such a product has been identified, since the tablecloth is not subjected to heat treatment.
Iron
As you know, the most important part of the iron is its sole. Not only the heating rate, but also the quality of ironing, the ease of sliding of the device on various types of fabrics depends on its condition, the material from which it is made.
"Teflon iron" is actually a wrong concept. It can be made of different materials, but the sole necessarily has a Teflon coating. The main difference between such devices is that they need a more careful attitude to the sole. Then they will last a long time.
Do not forget that the teflon coating of the sole has disadvantages. It is quite easily scratched with a metal fastener or button from a shirt. We already know what a dangerously damaged Teflon coating is. The harm emitted by its fumes is obvious.
Slow cooker
A slow cooker is a modern miracle, the amazing capabilities of which have been appreciated by many housewives. Multifunctionality, ease of use, affordability - this is only a small part of those indisputable advantages that are inherent in this device. At the same time, many buyers are being held back from acquiring it by disputes about how harmful Teflon is. A slow cooker does not always have such coverage.
When the multicooker bowl is heated to a temperature of more than 260 degrees, it releases harmful substances. Such a coating is easy to damage, of course, if you use it incorrectly. Even a small scratch that appears on it can break the non-stick layer.
And the most important minus of the Teflon bowl of the multicooker is that the Teflon model will last a maximum of 3 years.
A ceramic bowl is even less durable and will last you no more than two years. But this, according to manufacturers, concerns budget models. A quality multicooker with a very durable ceramic coating is expensive. Of course, this will not suit everyone. And a crock-pot with a ceramic layer is not protected from alkali, therefore the use of detergents is prohibited!
Multicooker Care
Experts say that the Teflon coating in this device cannot be heated to a critical temperature, since the bowl is always closed during the preparation of your favorite dish, so the harm of Teflon in this type of household appliances is exaggerated.
In order not to harm the health of your family members, you must constantly check the integrity of the coverage. Do not use metal spoons or forks during cooking. The multicooker bowl should be washed after each preparation. To remove food debris, use soft sponges and detergents to prevent damage to the protective layer.
Teflon harm to health
Studies by scientists have proven that the substances released by Teflon are extremely toxic. They can provoke insulin problems, the development of obesity, thyroid cancer.
According to chemical scientists, (doctors confirm this) Teflon is a huge threat to nine types of cells that regulate the immune system.
Recently, this coating began to be associated with the appearance of elevated levels of triglycerin and cholesterol in the human body. Animals react to this substance with noticeable changes in the volumes of the liver, brain and spleen.
In humans, the endocrine system is destroyed , the risk of developing cancer is many times higher.
Particularly dangerous is a pan, a teflon-coated pan for children (in case of violation of its integrity).
Ceramics or Teflon
Ten years ago, when buying a pan with a non-stick coating, no one doubted that it should only be Teflon. In those days, such dishes were called “Tefalevskaya”, since almost the entire market for Russian dishes of this type was in the “hands” of Tefal.
Today, the hostess, choosing a replacement for her old pan, may face a serious problem of choice. In addition, several years ago they started talking about the dangers of such a coating. At this time, teflon models from various manufacturers offering their dishes began to appear in our stores. These were very expensive European designs and cheap Chinese products.
Each manufacturer began to assure that its coating is the safest, that it is a patented innovation that has no analogues.
At this time, the main competitor of Teflon appeared - sol-gel, or ceramic coating. So, maybe this ceramic cover, fashionable these days, is perfect, but everyone should get sick from teflon? We will talk about this further.
Teflon advantages
Despite the rather serious shortcomings of the Teflon coating, it has undoubted advantages. Such dishes will reliably protect your products from burning, and with minimal use of fats. It is easy to wash with a soft sponge and detergent.
Teflon-coated cookware has high heat resistance and retains its properties up to +260 C. It should be noted that liquid dishes - soups, sauces are cooked at a temperature of 100 degrees, meat is fried at a higher temperature (190 degrees). But in the oven the temperature rises to 300 degrees, so you should not use such dishes for baking.
Teflon disadvantages
This polymer is not resistant to mechanical damage. It can easily be damaged by ordinary kitchen metal shovels or a knife.
Ceramic coating
Sol-gel - this is the name of this coating, which is often called ceramic, is not such a new invention. It was first announced in the first half of the twentieth century. In the production of dishes, they began to use it recently.
As usual, manufacturers assure their customers that it is harmless and durable. It could be assumed that there was a worthy replacement for Teflon with its toxic fumes and brittle coating. As it turns out, this is a pretty controversial issue.
In order to understand whether a ceramic or teflon coating is better, you should find out all the advantages and disadvantages of sol-gel.
Positive traits
The non-stickness of this coating is not inferior to Teflon. However, its main advantage is considered to be its environmental friendliness. If the coating is damaged or when it overheats, no harmful substances are released.
Cookware made of sol-gel is heat-resistant - it retains non-stick properties at a temperature of 400 degrees or more.
Cons of ceramics
This coating loses its qualities much faster than Teflon, even if it is used correctly (after approximately 132 uses).
Right choice
When choosing teflon dishes, do not be like the mean one who pays twice. In cheap fakes of unknown manufacturers, anything is used as a coating, up to epoxy. Goods from a reliable and trusted manufacturer in a large specialized store are sold with a warranty receipt and instructions.
Reviews
We studied customer reviews of Teflon-coated cookware. This may seem strange, but 90% of users know or at least once heard about its harm. Despite this, they continue to use it. In most cases, buyers say that they do not believe in her harm, most housewives claim that they are attracted to the simplicity of caring for such products.
As for the reviews of specialists (chemists, doctors), many of them claim that they have long excluded such kitchen utensils from everyday life. They recommend returning to time-tested cookware made of cast iron or aluminum, in any case, until the safety of Teflon is proved.
Today we told you about non-stick coatings. You learned about Teflon and alternative coatings. We hope that the information received will be useful to you when you go to the store for a new household appliance or utensils.