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Comment by hammock | Hacker News Reader

Yikes, teflon is not a great chemical to get near your body - or into the environment.

Teflon is inert - you are probably thinking of PFOA, a chemical that used to be used in making Teflon.

PFAS are found in the blood of every human on this planet. Google "sources of PFAS" and you'll learn Teflon products are a primary source.

For example[1]

> the main route of PFAS exposure for most Americans:

> Teflon and other brands of nonstick cookware are still produced with new PFAS that may be no safer.

[1] https://www.ewg.org/pfaschemicals/what-are-forever-chemicals...

Your link is mixing up the two molecules by calling PFAS "The Teflon chemical". "Teflon", the non-stick final product, is PTFE with a very strong fluorine chemical bond and no chance of reacting with the human body at normal temperatures (That's why nothing manages to stick to it, basically). PFAS were used by DuPont in the manufacture of Teflon (and recklessly dumped into the environment).

PFAS are an ecological disaster; Teflon itself is not a concern.

"Normal temperatures" is the key thing, "unattended frying pan temperature" is different altogether...

Birds have fragile high performance lungs.

Using teflon cookware around a pet parrot is a well-known way to kill the pet.

Teflon frying pans are supposed to be safe if you never let them overheat, but in practice they're not safe if you have birds in the house.

PTFE is toxic for humans too, but human lungs are more robust than bird lungs.

Sure polymer fumes are bad, but this is about oiling a bike chain.

How much is enough to be harmful? According to the MSDS[1], the stuff I use is < 3% teflon, and a 6 oz bottle lasts me the better part of a decade.

[1]https://www.paintdocs.com/docs/webPDF.jsp?SITEID=TRIFLOW&pro...

That is good to hear. There is no safe amount

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