What happens when Teflon fumes are breathed in?
Characterization of the early pulmonary inflammatory response associated with PTFE fume exposure.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Neutrophils themselves produce inflammatory and antioxidant signals like IL-6, TNF-α, and metallothionein.
Neutrophils are typically seen as first responders that attack invaders, not as active regulators of inflammation. The idea that they also produce protective antioxidants is unexpected and shifts how we view their role.
Practical Takeaways
Never overheat non-stick cookware above 260°C (500°F) and ensure good kitchen ventilation to reduce inhalation risk.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Neutrophils themselves produce inflammatory and antioxidant signals like IL-6, TNF-α, and metallothionein.
Neutrophils are typically seen as first responders that attack invaders, not as active regulators of inflammation. The idea that they also produce protective antioxidants is unexpected and shifts how we view their role.
Practical Takeaways
Never overheat non-stick cookware above 260°C (500°F) and ensure good kitchen ventilation to reduce inhalation risk.
Publication
Journal
Toxicology and applied pharmacology
Year
1996
Authors
C. Johnston, Jacob N. Finkelstein, R. Gelein, Raymond B. Baggs, G. Oberdörster
Related Content
Claims (6)
When these lab rats breathe in fumes from overheated non-stick coating at a certain level, their lungs get inflamed really quickly — within just 4 hours — and lots of immune cells rush into the lungs, showing their bodies are reacting strongly.
When these lab rats breathe in fumes from overheated non-stick coating, their lungs show a big increase in inflammation signals within just a few hours.
When these lab rats breathe in fumes from a non-stick coating for just 15 minutes, their lungs turn on powerful protective genes — like turning up the body’s internal defense system against damage from harmful particles.
After breathing in PTFE fumes for just 15 minutes, these lab rats showed a big drop in a key lung protein within hours — a sign their lungs might be getting damaged.
If you heat Teflon-coated pans too much, they can release nasty fumes that make people sick with flu-like symptoms and can kill birds.