So people kind of knew asbestos was harmful wayyy before it mostly stopped being used in 1979 (USA). But, it was still used constantly in many industries and ended up everywhere. What do you think is an example of something we find out is DRASTICALLY harmful 10-50 years from now? My guess would be screen time.
Isn’t Teflon itself fine though? My understanding was it was the chemicals used during manufacturing of Teflon that were the problem.
You can also get some ill effects if you exceed temp limits
This is about right. Teflon (PTFE) itself is mostly harmless to humans because you aren’t likely to consume large enough amounts or small enough particles of Teflon for it to enter your bloodstream.
Other PFAS like PFOA, PFOS, PFHXS, and PFNA, which are the kind you would find used to coat the inside of a popcorn bag to keep the butter off the bag, are commonly found in human blood and have been linked to negative health outcomes in humans.
Teflon itself is technically “fine” if you ignore that it’s a forever chemical on its own. The chemicals used in the manufacturing, and the chemicals used to make a notoriously non-stick material stick to things are the big issues.
But like the other commenter said, even Teflon, despite its hydrophobic and non-stick properties, eventually wears out and spreads micro particles everywhere.
Everything wears out, regardless of temperature. Sure Teflon lasts a good long time as long as certain temperatures aren’t exceeded, but even at room temperature/dishwashing temperature, particles of those molecules are still gonna wear off, and they don’t just randomly vanish.
What’s that stink you smell out of your vacuum cleaner? Well yeah, lots of dust and dead skin cells and such, but also all the other toxic debris gradually wearing away from our household items and whatnot…