Teflon coating - harm or benefit? Teflon tableware: reviews

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, it remains only to enjoy this invention. However, researchers from the UK (University of Exeter) took up this cover and for 7 years conducted his research. They were interested in the influence of Teflon on the environment and human and animal health. The results were, to put it mildly, unexpected. Scientists have found out that Teflon coating is not so safe. Harm to his health seems obvious. Is it really? Let's try to understand.

What is Teflon

To date, it is one of the most publicized industrial products, which is widely used in the manufacture of a variety of 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, which when heated dishes get into food and air. The more often, for example, a Teflon-coated frying pan is heated to a high temperature, the sooner the coating bursts, and volatile substances and tiny particles of it fall into the air.

Strong detergents accelerate this process. The substances released from Teflon are harmful to human health, and very small doses are even fatal for birds living in your home.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) - Teflon is a substance similar in composition to plastic. It has 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 fall, they do not decompose, in other words, remain biologically inert.

Unfortunately, this turned out to be an error. Today it is proved that toxic substances gradually accumulate in nature, organisms of people and animals. So far only two of almost 100 species of these substances have been studied well.

the cloth

PTFE (Teflon) fabrics are produced in two versions - on an adhesive basis or without it. Used glue imported production. Teflon fabric can be from 80 to 230 microns thick.

This material is produced in the form of a linen made of extra strong fiberglass, which is impregnated with an anti-stick Teflon layer. It has a light brown, brown or black color. The adhesive layer is applied from one side. It is a multifunctional material with a very wide range of uses.

It is used in paper industry, aviation industry. In addition, the fabric has found application in the manufacture of printed products, clothing. Relatively recently, it was used in medicine, in the manufacture of glass products, in construction.

The producers of this material claim that the Teflon coating applied to it does not harm the 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 layer. It has a Teflon coating and a layer of silicone adhesive. It is used for equipment in food, packaging, textile, chemical, woodworking and rubber industries.

Teflon tape has unique properties:

• Non-stick surface;
• Thermal stability (from -60 to +200 ^о С);
• Chemical inertness, allowing contact with products;
• High resistance to chemical environments;
• Low coefficient of friction;
• High resistance to tearing;
• Dielectric properties.

Teflon tape is used in:

• Heating and sealing elements of packaging machines and BEG machines;
• In special equipment for welding of plastics, belt conveyors. Used for lamination, in duplicating processes, insulation of electrical cables.

Tablecloth with Teflon coating

Today many housewives prefer to use such tablecloths. They have an attractive appearance, do not need complex maintenance, are very practical.

Tablecloth Teflon is usually used as a cover for a dining table. It reliably protects the table top, it perfectly cleans. This product has a Teflon layer that is resistant to moisture and various contaminants.

This coating is applied to the tissue base. It can be flax, polyester, cotton, etc. The Teflon tablecloth attracts buyers primarily by the simplicity of care - it is enough to simply wipe it with a damp cloth. If there is a serious pollution, then, without removing from the table, wash it with a mild detergent. After this, rinse it with clean water and wipe it dry.

You can, if necessary, wash it, preferably manually, at a maximum temperature of -40 degrees. During washing, it is important not to make any creases on it so as not to damage the Teflon coating. The harm of such a product is not revealed, since the tablecloth is not subjected to heat treatment.

Iron

As you know, the main part of the iron is its sole. From its condition, the material from which it is made, not only does the heating rate depend, but also the quality of ironing, the ease of sliding the device through various types of fabrics.

"Teflon iron" is actually a misnomer. It can be made of different materials, but the sole necessarily has Teflon coating. The main difference between these 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 easy to scratch with a metal clasp or a button from the shirt. We already know how dangerous the damaged Teflon coating is. The damage of its evaporation is obvious.

Multivarka

Multivarka - a modern miracle, amazing possibilities which were appreciated by many mistresses. Multifunctionality, ease of use, affordability - this is only a small part of the undeniable advantages that are inherent in this device. However, many buyers are deterred from acquiring it, arguing about how harmful Teflon is. A multivarka does not always have such a coating.

When the multiquark cup 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 improperly. Even a small scratch that appears on it can break the non-stick layer.

And the most important disadvantage of Teflon bowl multivarka is that the Teflon model will last a maximum of 3 years.

The bowl of ceramics is even less durable and will last you no more than two years. But this, according to the producers, concerns budget models. A quality multivark with a very durable ceramic coating is expensive. Of course, this is not enough for everyone. And a multivark with a ceramic layer is not protected from alkali, so use of detergents is prohibited!

Care for a multivariate

Experts say that the Teflon coating in this device can not heat up to a critical temperature, since the bowl always remains closed during the preparation of your favorite dish, so the damage to Teflon in this kind of household appliances is exaggerated.

In order not to harm the health of your family members, you must constantly check the integrity of the coating. Do not use metal spoons or forks during cooking. The bowl of the multivark should be washed after each preparation. To remove food debris, use soft sponges and detergents to avoid damaging the protective layer.

Damage to Teflon for health

Researches of scientists have proved, that the substances allocated by Teflon are extremely toxic. They can provoke insulin problems, the development of obesity, thyroid cancer.

According to scientists-chemists, (medical experts confirm this), Teflon poses a huge threat to the nine types of cells that regulate the immune system.

Recently, this coating began to be associated with the appearance of an elevated level 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.

At the person the endocrine system collapses , the risk of development of oncological diseases repeatedly increases.

Especially dangerous pan, pan with Teflon coating for children (in case of violation of its integrity).

Ceramics or Teflon

Just ten years ago, buying a pan with non-stick coating, no one doubted that it should only be Teflon. At that time, these dishes were called "Tefalevskaya", since practically the entire market of Russian utensils of this type was in the hands of Tefal.

Today, the hostess, who is choosing a replacement for her old frying pan, may face a serious problem of choice. In addition, several years ago, talked about the harm of such a coating. At this time in our stores began to appear Teflon models from different manufacturers, offering their dishes. These were very expensive European designs and cheap Chinese products.

Each manufacturer began to assure that its coverage 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 is a fashionable ceramic coating today, ideally, and from Teflon, all must certainly get sick? About this and talk further.

Advantages of Teflon

Despite the rather serious shortcomings of Teflon coating, it has unconditional dignity. Such dishes will reliably protect your products from burning, and with minimal use of fats. It is easy to clean with a soft sponge and detergent.

Tableware with Teflon coating 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 temperature rises to 300 degrees, so for baking, such dishes should not be used.

Disadvantages of Teflon

This polymer is not resistant to mechanical damage. It can easily be damaged by ordinary kitchen metal blades or a knife.

Ceramic coating

Sol-gel - 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 20th century. In the production of dishes, it was used only recently.

As usual, manufacturers assure their customers that it is harmless and durable. It would be possible to assume that there was a worthy replacement for Teflon with its toxic fumes and a fragile coating. As it turns out, this is a very controversial issue.

In order to understand, ceramic or Teflon coating is better, you should learn all the advantages and disadvantages of sol-gel.

Positive traits

Non-sticking of this coating is not inferior to Teflon. At the same time, its main advantage is considered to be its environmental friendliness. If the coating is damaged or if it is overheated, no harmful substances are released.

Cookware from 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 properly used (after about 132 uses).

Right choice

When choosing teflon dishes, do not be like that stingy person who pays twice. In cheap fakes of unknown manufacturers used as a coating for anything, down to epoxy. Goods from a reliable and trusted manufacturer in a large specialized store are sold with a warranty check and instruction.

Reviews

We have studied customer feedback on Teflon coated dishes. This may seem strange, but 90% of users know or at least once heard of its harm. Despite this, they continue to use it. In most cases, buyers say that they do not believe in harming it, most of the housewives say that they are attracted by the ease with which they take care of such products.

As for the opinions of specialists (chemists, doctors), many of them claim that they have long ago excluded such utensils from everyday use. They recommend returning to a time-tested cookware made of cast iron or aluminum, at least until the safety of Teflon is proved.

Today we told you about non-stick coatings. You learned about Teflon and about alternative coatings. We hope that the information obtained will be useful to you when you go to the store for a new household appliance or dishes.