Despite the ban on Teflon in the European Union since 2020, 60 million consumers warn of the presence of the product in non-stick pans.
At the heart of a health scandal, Teflon has been banned since 2020 within the European Union. However, according to 60 million consumers, manufacturers would continue to use the product without notifying it in the components of non-stick pans. But what are the real risks of Teflon on our health? The Midi Dispatch make the point.
Potentially carcinogenic
Studies have been developed on both rats and humans to determine the toxicity of PFOA (perfluoro-octonoic acid), one of the components of this skillet. According to a document published by the INRS (National Institute for Research and Safety), “PFOA is mainly absorbed orally and, to a lesser extent, through the skin and respiratory tract”.
“At high exposure doses, PFOA is tumorigenic by the oral route,” conclude two elaborate studies on rats. In humans, several studies have analyzed the effects of exposure to PFOA on several factory workers concerned. “Some studies have shown excess kidney, prostate and testicular cancers in populations exposed to PFOA and/or its ammonium salts”, highlights the toxicological sheet.
Effects on fertility
More broadly, multiple studies conclude that fetal development is impaired, the immune system is weakened and the risk of cardiovascular disease is increased. Several dangers already reported by the European Chemicals Agency (Echa): PFOA can damage fertility, as well as be harmful to breastfed babies.
Impact on DNA?
The consequence on a possible DNA change has not been proven. According to United States National Library of MedicinePFAO “could not induce an increase in DNA damage (DNA strand breaks and micronucleus)”.
Since July 2020, the European Union has banned the use of PFOA, which is now on the list of persistent organic pollutants. However, the solutions found by manufacturers are not necessarily better for health, like GenX or PFBS polymers, also under Echa’s radar.