Fumes from overheated Teflon-coated cookware have been known to kill caged birds. Studies conducted by the Environmental Working Group have shown overheated nonstick pans emit a toxic mixture of chemicals that may cause cancer, birth defects, immune system suppression and increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The chemical culprits are fluorine compounds, which are used in water-and stain-repellent coatings on carpets, clothing, ironing boards, ovens and pots and pans.What
should you cook with? Keep reading.
Excerpted from Organic Housekeeping
by Ellen Sandbeck (Scribner, 2006)