Q: What is Teflon?
A: Teflon is a DuPont brand name and registered trademark for a non-stick, stain-resistant material used in cooking, apparel, automotive, household, personal care, and industrial applications. Teflon is not a chemical.

Q: Has there been any recent news about the safety of Teflon?
A: Recently, the safety of Teflon coated cookware has been called into question. A class-action lawsuit brought against DuPont alleges that Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) is released when Teflon-coated cookware is heated above certain very high temperatures. The complaint is centered on DuPont's failure to warn consumers about the dangers of PFOA exposure. DuPont maintains that Teflon does not contain PFOA and that Teflon-coated cookware is safe when used properly. This is neither a personal injury case, nor have any injuries due to PFOA exposure been reported thus far.

Also, in December 2005, DuPont agreed to pay $16.5 million to settle alleged violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act, for failure to report information about the substantial risk of PFOA. The violations alleged by the EPA appear to be primarily concerned with the potential occupational and industrial hazards related to PFOA exposure. The recent settlement between DuPont and the EPA does not concern ordinary consumer use of Teflon-coated cookware or other Teflon-based products.

Q: Have there been any reports of health effects associated with Teflon use?
A: The only health effect reported by Teflon-maker Dupont is a condition called "polymer fume fever." This condition occurs when Teflon-coated cookware is heated to abnormally high temperatures (e.g. above 500º F or 260º C) and fumes are emitted. Temporary flu-like symptoms can occur 4 to 8 hours after exposure, but disappear after 48 hours with no necessary treatment.

Q: What is Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)?
A: PFOA is a man-made chemical that does not occur naturally in the environment. Companies use PFOA to make substances called fluoropolymers. Consumer products made with fluoropolymers include non-stick cookware (such as Teflon-coated cookware), and breathable, all-weather clothing.