Teflon™ and non-stick cookware

The Canadian Cancer Society is concerned that there may be a relationship between substances used to make non-stick coatings on cookware and cancer. However, we still need more research to understand whether these substances are harmful.

What is Teflon and non-stick cookware?

Teflon is the brand name for DuPont’s non-stick cookware, but many other companies (for example, T-Fal and Silverstone) also make non-stick cookware. Non-stick cookware refers to cookware with a nonstick coating.

One substance, PFOA, is used while manufacturing non-stick coatings and may increase people’s risk of cancer. The non-stick coating is made of a second substance, PTFE. PTFE may release a harmful substance when non-stick coatings are used at high heat.

How you are exposed

Informing and protecting people

What you can do
Suggested links

Last modified on:  20 February 2009

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