Watch your cookware, some are dangerous.

[Guest guest]

This is an article I saved many years ago, but is still pertinent. Blessings. Joy

What Hidden Health Hazards Lurk in Your Cookware Cabinet?

Teflon is the most popular cookware in America. So what's wrong with it?

Well, for starters, teflon-coated aluminum contains perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a synthetic chemical used in its production, creating its soap-like slipperiness and non-stick finish. PFOA has become very controversial because of health dangers linked to it.

· In April of 2006, multiple class action lawsuits were filed against DuPont representing consumers in twenty states and the District of Columbia. DuPont was charged with exposing millions of Americans to health risks from pans containing PFOA. (And that DuPont knew of the risks but failed to disclose them.) "http://www.mercola.com/products/cast-iron-cookware \\ footnotes"

Get rid of that Teflon and other potentially dangerous cookware today!

In May 2006, DuPont said it received a subpoena from the U.S. Justice Department's Environmental Crimes Section to turn over documents about PFOA safety. This came just a month after DuPont settled a lawsuit -- with a fine of $10.25 million -- by the Environmental Protection Agency alleging that DuPont hid health data about PFOA for twenty years. "http://www.mercola.com/products/cast-iron-cookware \\ footnotes"

· In March 2006, a scientific advisory panel to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advised that PFOA be labeled a "likely carcinogen". "http://www.mercola.com/products/cast-iron-cookware \\ footnotes"

· Manufacturers are to phase out 95 percent of production by 2010, and totally by 2015. It is important to note that this is a voluntary reduction by manufacturers.

Yet, despite mounting evidence, DuPont still claims that PFOA is safe ...

Just How Dangerous IS PFOA?

In animal studies, PFOA posed health hazards like:

· Serious changes in organs including the brain, prostate, liver, thymus, and kidneys, showing toxicity.

· Death of several rat pups that were exposed to PFOA.

· Changes in the pituitary in female rats, at all doses. The pituitary controls growth, reproduction, and many metabolic functions. Changes in the size of the pituitary are considered an indication of toxicity.

· PFOA has been associated with tumors in at least four different organs in animal tests, and has been implicated in an increase in prostate cancer in PFOA plant workers. "http://www.mercola.com/products/cast-iron-cookware \\ footnotes"

My Concern: You Could Be Endangering Your Family and Pets Just by Cooking with Teflon

In studies of heated non-stick pans on conventional stovetops commissioned by the consumer watchdog organization Environmental Working Group, it only took 2-5 minutes to reach temperatures producing dangerous toxins. The coating begins to break down and release toxins into the air at only 446 degrees. "http://www.mercola.com/products/cast-iron-cookware \\ footnotes"

But wait! It doesn't stop here. At 680 degrees (3 to 5 minutes), non-stick pans release at least six toxic gasses, including two carcinogens, two global pollutants and MFA, a chemical deadly to humans at low doses. "http://www.mercola.com/products/cast-iron-cookware \\ footnotes" The vapors from using these pans with high heat also caused instant death to pet birds.

I don't want you to make yourself, your family or your pets "canaries in the coal mine" with hazardous cookware!

I'm afraid the "canary in the coal mine" is not a myth. In cases of "Teflon toxicosis", the lungs of exposed birds hemorrhage and fill with fluid, leading to what must be an agonizing death from suffocation. Is it such a stretch to wonder what these fumes could be doing to you and your children?

Even DuPont acknowledges that the fumes can make you sick -- they call it "polymer fume fever". They list the symptoms as: fever between 100 and 104 degrees, chest tightness, shortness of breath, headache, cough, chills, and sore throat, based on a survey of workers who complained of the illness. "http://www.mercola.com/products/cast-iron-cookware \\ footnotes"

Although this type of cookware is most widely known by the brand name Teflon, there are many other nonstick brand names that contain this toxic coating, including: Silverstone, Fluron, Supra, Excalibur, Greblon, Xylon, Duracote, Resistal, Autograph and T-Fal, to name just a few.

Ditch that Aluminum and Stainless Steel Cookware, Too

Even after you purge your kitchen of Teflon, you may still be harboring danger -- this time in the form of aluminum or stainless steel.

I would not recommend aluminum pans for cooking if you want to enjoy your golden years. Aluminum is a strongly suspected causal factor in Alzheimer's disease (AD). "http://www.mercola.com/products/cast-iron-cookware \\ footnotes" AD is dreaded by people more than cancer and heart disease, for good reason.

Aluminum is considered a "reactive" metal, meaning that it reacts with salty or acidic foods to release itself into the food. You can also be exposed to aluminum when Teflon chips off a coated aluminum pan.

Next to Teflon, the most common cookware alternative is stainless steel, accounting for one-third of U.S. cookware sales. And some cooks prefer the "clad" or "three-ply" varieties that have an aluminum or copper base sandwiched between layers of stainless steel.

Contrary to popular belief, stainless steel may not be an inert metal either. All stainless steel has alloys containing nickel, chromium, molybdenum, carbon and various other metals.

In a study done on heart patients receiving stainless steel stents, restenosis occurred in 50% of patients. Allergies to the nickel and molybdenum in the stainless steel were suspected as a causal factor.

While this study is clearly not cooking-related, cooking with stainless-steel, clad or not, increases the likelihood that metals will leach into your food. This is especially true if cookware is pitted due to extended use or storage of acidic foods. For those with nickel allergies, it's a particularly important problem.

Copper is an alternative with even heat distribution. However, it should not have direct contact with food, due to the possibility of copper poisoning. Therefore, most copper pans come lined with other metals, creating the same concerns noted above. Copper pans are also extremely costly.

Once you realize that Teflon may be deadly, stainless steel is reactive, and copper is no good either, where do you turn? With my growing realization that today's popular cookware has so many health-related issues, I began the search for a better alternative.

And, great news for all of us! I found an impressive choice that offers a load of benefits at a very reasonable cost.

In My Opinion, the Ultimate Choice for the Healthy Frugal Gourmet is -- Enameled Cast Iron Cookware by Range Kleen

This is the new and improved version of cookware that your grandmother probably used.

This beautiful cast iron cookware comes with a beautiful color glossy exterior in three color choices, and a smooth black enameled interior finish.

Plus, it never has to be "seasoned". Yes, it's definitely not that clunky, ugly and time-consuming old cast iron of years gone by.

I had this cookware set custom-designed to provide you with a SAFE quality alternative that you can trust.

You probably didn't use your grandmother's cookware, so let me tell you what your Enameled Cast Iron Cookware can do for you ...

· Perfect for all types of cooks and cooking -- baking, browning, stewing, roasting, searing, or blackening. No matter how you like to cook, Enameled Cast Iron works for you.

· Seals in moisture and flavors for fabulous stews and tender meats.

· Offers total flexibility in heat sources too. You can use it on any type of range top -- gas, electric, induction, even glass top ranges -- due to its smooth bottom. And in the oven and outdoors, too.

· This striking Enameled Cast Iron Cookware doubles as a beautiful serving and chafing dish. At the table, your food stays warm in it, because cast iron cools slowly.

· Cooks food evenly, being the consummate heat conductor. You won't have hot spots burning some areas with other areas barely cooked. Food browns evenly -- great for frying. The sides of the pan hold heat also, providing total even heating from the side, bottom and lid.

· Saves on clean-up time by doubling as a serving piece. Not only does it save time, but it also saves money on dishwasher cycles versus cleaning those extra serving dishes. Gives time back for family, work and other priorities.

· Enameled Cast Iron Cookware is so durable it will outlast Teflon by years. Traditionally, cast iron was revered for its durability and practicality. The Pilgrims brought cast iron cookware to America on the Mayflower. The pioneers took it West in covered wagons. It was handed down from generation to generation.

· It is the frugal choice in cookware. Because it offers fabulous flexibility and durability, and the initial cost is reasonable, it's the obvious choice for the frugal gourmet.

· It may even save energy dollars (and the environment) by heating so evenly that you can cook at lower temperatures.

· Offers easy use and care. The colored enamel coating seals the cast iron. You don't have to worry about rust, or seasoning your cookware. For easy cleaning, just let your cookware soak in warm soapy water and foods will wipe away easily. Although the manufacturer recommends handwashing due to the ease of cleaning, this cookware is dishwasher-safe.

· Enameled Cast Iron Cookware keeps its luster and shine. The smooth black interior finish stops stains from showing, making cleanup easier than the cream color interiors in some products.

· Cast iron has a long history of use. For generations, cast iron cookware was listed among the most valuable of a person's possessions, along with precious metals like gold and silver. During the California gold rush, people panned for gold using cast iron skillets. Washington's mother bequeathed her cast iron in her will. and named their cast iron dutch oven as one of the most important pieces of equipment in their expedition to the Pacific Northwest in 1804.

· The enameled interior is free of harmful elements like cadmium and lead contained in some ceramic enamel.