PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)

PTFE stands for polytetrafluoroethylene, the synthetic fluoropolymer commercialised by DuPont as Teflon in 1945. It is the dominant non-stick coating used in conventional cookware worldwide. PTFE belongs to the PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) chemical family — sometimes called "forever chemicals" because their carbon-fluorine bonds resist degradation in the environment and human body.

At normal cooking temperatures (below 260°C / 500°F), PTFE is considered chemically stable. The danger zone begins above this threshold: at 300°C toxic polymer fumes are released that can cause "polymer fume fever" in humans and are often fatal to pet birds. An empty pan on high heat can reach 260°C in under 3 minutes. The PTFE coating itself is distinct from PFOA (the manufacturing chemical phased out in 2013) — "PFOA-Free" labels do not indicate PTFE-free cookware.

If you use PTFE pans: never preheat an empty pan; use medium heat or lower; replace scratched or chipped pans immediately; ensure adequate kitchen ventilation; keep pet birds out of the kitchen.