A Word About PFOA, APFO or C8

PFOA, or APFO (also known as C8), is a surfactant chemical used in the production of PTFE, nonstick finishes. While consumers often call these coatings, “Teflon®”, "Teflon®" is a registered trademark of a product produced and sold by DuPont only. There are several manufacturers of PTFE finishes for cookware and some cookware producing firms produce their own nonsticks within their own factories.

PFOA and its associated materials is currently being studied by the EPA to determine if the chemical is a potential carcinogen for those exposed to high levels of the product. These surfactants have been used for more than fifty years without known harm to individuals.

It is important to understand that PFOA is not part of the finished product of nonstick cookware or bakeware. While used during the manufacture of the product and while there is a small amount in the finished nonstick liquid product when it is shipped to the applicator, all of the PFOA is driven off in the curing process following the application of the PTFE spray to the pan’s surface. The finished pan does not contain any measurable PFOA after proper curing.

The consumer is never exposed to PFOA while using their nonstick pan. Retailers should feel confident in reassuring their customers that proper use of PTFE coated pans is perfectly safe.

There is additional information about PFOA at http://www.pfoa-facts.com/.