Blogs

The Source of Healing

Enlisting mind, body and spirit to heal

by Woodson Merrell, M.D.

Woodson Merrell is a leading integrative physician based in Manhattan. See full bio

February 10, 2009, Health

Comments on "Teflon Undermining Fertility?"

Teflon Undermining Fertility?

By Woodson Merrell, M.D. on February 10, 2009 in The Source of Healing

Science has a new explanation for rising infertility...and it may be in your kitchen. Read More

non stick fats

Submitted by Becky on February 11, 2009 - 12:00pm.

If we phase out non stick pans, people should be cautioned to use healthy oils and in moderation when cooking on a surface that food will stick to without lubrication. We are also the fattest country and obesity has been strongly correlated with fertility problems.

non stick fats

Submitted by Woodson Merrell, M.D. on February 11, 2009 - 12:19pm.

You raise an interesting issue. I would like in a future post to review the growing literature linking environmental toxins to obesity. Keep in mind the advent and subsequent widespread use of nonstick pans in the U.S. coincides with an explosion in the incidence of obesity. There's little evidence that nonstick pans contribute to effective weight management over a lifetime. But you are absolutely right to be concerned about increasing fat in the American diet!

But PTFE contamination doesn't come from Teflon

Submitted by Anonymous on July 22, 2009 - 3:20am.

From what I have read, while PTFE are prevalent and dangerous, nonstick pans are an insignificant source, including in your main reference from Human Reproduction. Is there any reference that specifically links nonstick cookware to blood plasma PTFE or argues that it's a significant source?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PFOA
"PTFE cookware is considered an insignificant exposure source of PFOA"
sources of above statement:
Trudel D, Horowitz L, Wormuth M, Scheringer M, Cousins IT, Hungerbühler K (April 2008). "Estimating consumer exposure to PFOS and PFOA". Risk Anal. 28 (2): 251–69. doi:10.1111/j.1539-6924.2008.01017.x. PMID 18419647.
and
Post, Gloria; Stern, Alan; Murphy, Eileen. "Guidance for PFOA in Drinking Water at Pennsgrove Water Supply Company" (PDF). State of New Jersey, Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science, Research and Technology. 2. http://www.state.nj.us/dep/watersupply/pfoa_dwguidance.pdf. Retrieved on 7 June 2009.

Throw all Teflon, Throw all pots and pans! Go 4 cavemen cooking

Submitted by natural increase fertility on September 24, 2009 - 8:48pm.

Do you mean that Teflon can cause infertility? Well, if that's the case, throw all non-stick pans! Why don't we all go back where we can cook our food in a clay pot on top of a fire from wood just outside the house? Now that's really natural and healthy! And you save on LPG or electricity and from buying pans and other kitchen utensil that can even make things worse for us.