Safty for their birds

nevjoe · December 12, 2007

Trisk, This thread is for people that have some questions about safty for their birds.

Imagine you have a flying two-year old whose fingers can get into an opening about 1/4 inch in diameter. Think of the many alterations in your house you would need to do to make it childproof. Basically, you will need to do that to remove household hazards and bird proof your home. Bird safety is so important since birds are even more sensitive to some chemicals than people, and remember birds use their mouths to explore, and they will want to taste everything at least once.

The following household hazards may cause your bird injury or be dangerous to some degree if ingested, inhaled, or placed in contact with your bird. Some can cause death almost instantly. Others may cause only a mild reaction, but it is best to remove them from any areas where they would be in contact with your bird. This is not a complete list, so if you are in any doubt about the safety of something that your bird has eaten or been in contact with, please contact your veterinarian or the National Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. (They charge $55.00 per case.) When bird proofing your home consider:

Windows, doors, and skylights

Just like wild birds, our pet birds do not understand glass, and will try to fly right through it.

· Clip his wings: One precaution you can take is to keep your bird's wings clipped. This will not necessarily prevent him from flying, but it will slow down his speed. Using a flight suit with a lanyard could also be helpful.

· Use drapes, blinds, or shades to cover your windows when your bird is loose. Some people have installed decals on their windows, similar to those used to deter wild birds.

· Make sure your screens are strong and installed securely. Check them regularly for any holes or loose wire that could injure your bird.

· Curtains and drapery can pose hazards if toenails become caught in the fabric or the bird becomes entangled in the cord. Keep your bird's nails clipped to the appropriate length.

Fans and temperature extremes

Extreme heat and cold can be dangerous for your bird. Both ceiling and regular fans can pose a danger to your bird.

· Avoid placing your bird's cage or play station in any drafty area; keep him well away from fans, open windows, and heat registers. Also, do not place him in a cold room, or area that may be in full sun with no shade.

· Turn all fans, including ceiling fans, off when your bird is out of his cage, even if his wings are clipped.

Suffocation or crushing

Many birds like to hide under things, or find a small "hole" in which they can nest. With their small size, they can easily go unnoticed and be trapped or injured by moving parts.

· Always look where you walk. Many birds have been injured or even killed from being stepped on.

· When you close a door or cupboard, make sure your bird is not sitting on top of it or on his way through the opening.

· Do not allow your bird in rooms where computer printers, electrical tools, vacuum cleaners, or other mechanical devices with moving parts are being used.

· Use caution when using fold-out beds or recliners, since birds may get underneath them and into the mechanism.

· Before moving or laying anything on the bed covers, laundry basket, or other areas where there are multiple layers of fabric, be sure your bird has not gotten between the layers.

· Do not sleep with your bird. You could easily move and crush him.

· Cover all air ducts to prevent a bird from exploring and becoming lost in the maze.

Electrical and other cords

Electrical cords are a very serious threat to a bird. Chewing through a cord could cause severe burns, or even electrocution. There are other cords that can be chewed, including phone, computer, stereo, cable TV, and appliance cords.

To reduce the risk of injury, use one or more of the following:

· Spiral cable wrap. This is a flexible plastic sheath that can be wound around the cords. CAUTION: Some birds may still try to chew through this. Monitor your bird closely, and if he chews on this, try one of the other two alternatives.

· Cord concealers. These are hard plastic, come in various colors and sizes, and are usually applied to the area above the baseboards.

· PVC pipe or polyethylene hard tubing. A slit can be cut through the pipe or tubing, and the cords slipped inside. Tubing that is already split is also available.

Child – bird interactions

A bird could be hurt, or hurt a child if she is improperly handled.

· Take into account the age of children, their maturity, and experience with handling birds and other pets when deciding if they may be left alone with a bird. Also, take into account the temperament of the bird.

· Establish household rules regarding the handling of the bird, including who may feed her, and what supervision is necessary.

· Show children the correct way to play with a bird and praise them when they do it properly.

· Always have a safe area where your bird can retreat.

Interactions with other pets

Extreme care should be taken when introducing your bird to other pets, including other birds. It is natural instinct for wild canines and felines to prey on birds. Sometimes the reverse is true, and a large bird can actually be more aggressive. Animal bites can cause severe injuries and be fatal. If your bird is bitten, always seek veterinary attention.

· Never leave a loose bird unattended in a room with another pet, even if they appear to get along well together. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

· Place bird cages where they cannot be tipped over by inquisitive or predatory behaviors of other pets.

· Cover all aquariums to prevent your bird from accidental drowning, ingestion of lead weights used on some plants, and drinking the water that may contain infectious organisms or chemicals used to treat the water.

· Prevent birds from having access to corncob or hay bedding used for small pets. These may contain molds or cause digestive problems.

· Keep cat litter boxes out of the reach of birds. The dust and scent may cause respiratory problems, and ingestion could result in obstructions of the digestive tract.

· Keep water dishes out of the reach of birds, since birds can drown in even a small amount of water.

· Prevent access to areas where heat lamps are used, such as housing for reptiles. These can cause burns and the covers may give off toxic fumes if coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

· Keep all flea and tick sprays and pet medications and supplements – especially those that are flavored – out of the reach of birds.

Kitchen hazards

The kitchen contains an almost endless number of hazards, including:

· Burns from hot burners, open ovens, toasters, coffee pots, tea kettles, boiling water, or hot cooking oil.

· Toxic fumes from teflon or other non-stick cookware and appliances including pots, waffle irons, slow-cookers, and drip pans. Fumes may contain PTFE and be very toxic. Fumes from self-cleaning ovens and oven cleaners are also toxic, as well as those from cleaning supplies.

· Drowning in a sink or even a glass or small bowl of water.

· Injuries or entrapment in open appliances, such as dishwashers, freezers, and refrigerators.

· Cuts from sharp, shiny objects, such as knives.

· Grease, butter, margarine, and oils that can get on the feathers.

· Toxic foods including chocolate (bakers, semi sweet, milk, dark), alcohol, avocado, garlic, onion, salt, yeast dough, and coffee (grounds, beans, chocolate espresso beans), tea, colas, and other caffeinated beverages.

· Smoke fumes from overheated foods or oils.

The kitchen should always be off limits to birds.

Bathroom hazards

Bathrooms can be almost as hazardous as kitchens, and extreme care should be taken if a bird is allowed in this room of the house.

· Prevent access to water in sinks, bathtubs, toilet bowls, and jacuzzis, since drowning could easily occur.

· Place decals on large mirrors to prevent your bird from flying into them.

· Do not use a curling iron in the presence of a bird, since the iron may give off PTFE fumes.

· Keep all medications, including vitamins and supplements, out of the reach of children and pets.

· Keep other potentially poisonous items, such as shaving cream and lotion, aerosol hairsprays, hair dyes and permanent solutions, and cleaning supplies, including toilet bowl cleaner safely stored.

Laundry room hazards

The laundry room is another area of the house that poses multiple threats to birds.

· Use care when placing or removing laundry from baskets – your bird may have found the basket to be a good sleeping place.

· Keep the doors to the washer and dryer closed, and watch very closely as you load and unload the laundry. Birds have accidentally been trapped and killed in these appliances.

· Do not use hot irons in the presence of birds due to the danger of burns and PTFE fumes. Spray starch is also toxic.

· Keep detergents, fabric softener sheets, liquid softeners, fabric dyes, bleach, and other potentially toxic laundry supplies safely stored out of the reach of children and pets.

Heat sources

Burns are a common injury in pet birds and can occur from a number of sources other than kitchen appliances.

· Never allow your bird in a room where there is an open flame from candles, fondue pots, heated potpourri pots, or other sources.

· Keep your bird caged when using a space heater or fireplace. Even if glass fireplace doors would prevent access to the fire, the doors themselves can be very hot. Also, always keep the damper and doors to the fireplace closed when it is not in use.

· Radiators can also pose a risk of burns.

· Light bulbs, especially halogen ones, can become quite hot, and remain hot even after being turned off. Be sure they are cool before allowing your bird access.

· Keep matches out of the reach of birds – they can be toxic.

Smoke and fumes

A bird's respiratory tract is very different from that of a mammal's, and actually concentrates any smoke or fumes in the air, making them markedly more toxic. Basically, by the time an odor is strong enough for you to smell it (or even before that), the chemical could be damaging your bird's respiratory tract. The following should all be considered dangerous around birds:

· Smoke from any source is hazardous. Secondhand smoke from cigars and cigarettes can cause chronic eye, skin, and respiratory disease. Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Tobacco is also toxic, so remove any whole or smoked cigars or cigarettes before allowing your bird access to a room.

· Marijuana, which can cause depression and regurgitation.

· Gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, and other petroleum products.

· Paint, wood stains and preservatives, mineral spirits, turpentine, paint remover, paint thinner, and other solvents.

· Cleaning supplies and disinfectants including bleach, phenols, ammonia, pine oil, spot remover, window cleaning solution, floor and furnisher polish.

· Scented candles, potpourri, tea tree oils, essential oils, and air fresheners.

· Perfumes, hairsprays, room deodorizers, deodorant, nail polish remover, and anything with a propellant.

· Other items that can give off fumes such as glues, permanent markers, and mothballs.

Do not use the above items in the presence of birds. If they are being used in large areas of the house, it is best to remove the bird from the house temporarily.

Heavy metals

Poisonous heavy metals include zinc, lead, and arsenic, which are surprisingly common in a household and may actually be incorporated in items made for birds.

· Zinc is present in galvanized metal, such as nails and staples; solder (including that used in some bird cages); padlocks; zippers, snaps, and costume jewelry; the clasps and chains on some bird toys; pennies made since 1982; paint (especially anti-rust paint); zinc oxide skin preparations, such as Desitin and sunblock containing zinc oxide; calamine lotion; suppositories; shampoos; zinc undecylenate (Desenex); and fertilizers.

· Lead is present in lead-containing paint, linoleum, tile, batteries, plumbing materials, putty, lead foil, solder, golf balls, some roof coverings, lubricants, the backing on mirrors, wine bottle cork foils, rug pads, acid (soft) drinking water from lead pipes or improperly glazed ceramic water bowls, lead weights, fishing sinkers, drapery weights, newsprint, dyes, insulation, lead-containing burnt lubricant oil, stained glass objects, and lead shot.

· Arsenic is a highly poisonous metal used in insecticides, pesticides, rodenticides, weed killers, wood preservatives, some insulation, and some alloys.

To protect your bird:

· Keep items containing these metals out of the reach of birds.

· Regularly check your bird cage and toys for any loose solder or pieces of metal that are loose.

· Choose non-heavy metal alternatives to the above items, if possible.

Other toxins or hazards

In addition to those mentioned, there are many other potential toxins that are found in and around many homes. Since birds can absorb chemicals through their feet, always wash your hands well after having contact with any possible poison. Protect your bird from: Jewelry, button batteries, coins, fishing tackle, pins, and other small metallic items, which are very attractive to birds, but can cause mouth injuries, damage or obstruction of the digestive tract, or toxicity.

Guns and associated supplies such as cleaner, powder, and ammunition.

Toxic houseplants.

Polishes including those for brass, silver, copper, floors, and shoes.

Other poisons, such as herbicides (weed killers), snail and slug bait, insecticides (flea and tick control products), pesticides (ant poison), and rodenticides (rat poison). Be careful with mouse traps, too.

· Holiday hazards, such as Christmas decorations including tinsel, angel hair, tree flocking, and glass ornaments; Easter basket grass; and ribbons and balloons.

KatB · December 12, 2007

Wow, thanks Joe! That's a pretty daunting list and sure makes me pause to notice the things around me!

birdmom · December 12, 2007

Thanks Joe! Not to mention common houseplants: I have a few Pothos, really a popular potted houseplant, but it is in a plant family toxic to birds, so they are now all outside. THe only thing I could add is paint fumes, if you paint your house inside any rooms, take your bird to the boarding facility for a week and use an air purifier and open the windows to clear the air of fumes.

Oh and space heaters, many of them have some non stick finish inside of them. You gotta be careful with those too. PTFE.

Also, a few months ago I bought a bread baking machine only to see that the container you put the dough into was coated in teflon non stick finish. So I returned it. Other kitchen appliances like waffle makers, and the George Foreman grill machines for cooking burgers are also coated with non stick stuff, so they are a no no.

For the people who are skeptical about teflon and PTFE, I have a friend who used to work for NASA in Florida, he was a military guy, and he had friends who went to work at Dupont in the 60's when teflon was developed. He told me that while researching and developing Teflon, Dupont lost some Scientists, they expired while testing heated teflon. So, teflon PTFE is really toxic to people also, just in larger quantities. But Dupont did not publicly announce the deaths.

What they do, is on any product containing teflon or non stick coatings they put a rider or disclaimer that says: This product is not harmful to humans when used properly. ("When used properly" means when it is not heated over and above temperatures that make it become harmful.) Only they don't tell you that part, nor do they tell you at what temperature it becomes potentially harmful to humans or any other living things.

joanne

birdmom · December 12, 2007

Regarding: Polytetrafluoroethylene gas (PTFE)

From the website: www.ewg.org/node/8299

Avian veterinarians have known for decades that Teflon-coated and other non-stick cookware can produce fumes that are highly toxic to birds. As early as 1986, a Chicago-area expert on “Teflon toxicosis” called the phenomenon a “leading cause of death among birds,” and estimated that hundreds of birds are killed by the fumes and particles emitted from Teflon-coated products each year [1][2]. Although an accurate national accounting of deaths is not available, in a single year this Chicago veterinarian documented 296 bird deaths in 105 cases involving non-stick cookware.

Under ordinary cooking scenarios, Teflon kills birds. A review of the literature and bird owners’ accounts of personal experience with Teflon toxicosis shows that Teflon can be lethal at normal cooking temperatures, with no human lapses in judgment or wakefulness.

Bird deaths have been documented during or immediately after the following normal cooking scenarios:

New Teflon-lined Amana oven was used to bake biscuits at 325°F; all the owner’s baby parrots died [3] [4].

Four stovetop burners, underlined with Teflon-coated drip pans, were preheated in preparation for Thanksgiving dinner; 14 birds died within 15 minutes [2] [5].

Nonstick cookie sheet was placed under oven broiler to catch the drippings; 107 chicks died [2].

Self-cleaning feature on the oven was used; a $2,000 bird died [5].

Set of Teflon pans, including egg poaching pan, were attributed to seven bird deaths over seven years [6].

Water burned off a hot pan; more than 55 birds died [7].

Electric skillet at 300°F and space heater were used simultaneously; pet bird died [8].

Toaster oven with a non-stick coating was used to prepare food at a normal temperature; bird survived but suffered respiratory distress [9].

Water being heated for hot cocoa boiled off completely; pet bird died [10].

Grill plate on gas stove used to prepare food at normal temperatures; two birds died on two separate occasions [11].

DuPont claims that its coating remains intact indefinitely at 500°F [12]. Experiences of consumers whose birds have died from fumes generated at lower temperatures show that this is not the case. In one case researchers at the University of Missouri documented the death of about 1,000 broiler chicks exposed to offgas products from coated heat lamps at 396°F [13].

DuPont also claims that human illness will be produced only in cases involved gross overheating, or burning the food to an inedible state [12]. Yet DuPont's own scientists have concluded that polymer fume fever in humans is possible at 662°F, a temperature easily exceeded when a pan is preheated on a burner or placed beneath a broiler, or in a self-cleaning oven [14].

References

[1] Dale, Steve. 1995. “Fatal fumes; while people may not be in danger, the kitchen is no place for pet birds.” Chicago Tribune. March 26, 1995.

[2] Daniels, Mary. 1987. “Health debate; non-stick drip pans catch heat.” Chicago Tribune. March 29 1987.

[3] Stewart Bob. 2002. Personal communication with Dr. Jennifer Klein, Environmental Working Group. May 9, 2002.

[4] Stewart Bob. 2002. Personal email communication with Anne Morgan, Environmental Working Group. [date]

[5] Daniels, Mary. 1986. “Stove fumes killing cages birds; overheating coated pans can bring quick death,” Chicago Tribune. March 9, 1986.

[7] Kreger Theresa 2003. "Teflon deaths." Email correspondence to EWG. April 2003.

[8] Shively Carol. 2003. "PTFE fumes kill family's pet birds!" Accessed online at www.quakerville.com/qic/ezine/96Issue5/qteflon.htm. April 2003.

[9] Grahme 2003. "Teflon-related bird information." Email correspondence to Environmental Working Group. April 24 2003.

[10] Anonymous 2003. Email correspondence to Environmental Working Group. April 2003.

[11] Anonymous 2003. Email correspondence to Environmental Working Group. April 2003.

[12] DuPont 2003a. "Consumer products help: Cookware safety. Will cooking fumes generated while cooking with non-stick cookware harm people or animals, especially pet birds?" Accessed online May 10 2003 from http:/www.teflon.com.

[13] Boucher M, Ehmler TJ, Bermudez AJ. 2000. Polytetrafluoroethylene gas intoxication in broiler chickens. Avian Dis 44:449-53.

[14] Waritz, R.S. 1975. An industrial approach to evaluation of pyrolysis and combustion hazards. Environ Health Perspect 11:197-202.

birdmom · December 12, 2007

From the same website, Dupont has known for 50 years that teflon is even dangerous to humans:

http://www.ewg.org/node/8302

Environmental Working Group reviewed 16 peer-reviewed studies detailing experiments conducted over the past 50 years, showing that heated Teflon decomposes to 15 types of toxic gases and particles. Many of these studies were conducted by DuPont’s own scientists, who began studying heated Teflon (PTFE) in the 1950s when DuPont workers were developing polymer fume fever that the company found could lead to a potentially fatal condition called pulmonary edema [1]. Since DuPont's discovery of polymer fume fever, cases have been reported in the peer-reviewed literature of the same illness stemming from home kitchen exposures [2, 3].

Teflon offgasing studies show that at the design temperatures of conventional kitchen appliances, Teflon chemicals break apart to form the following particulates and gases:

Two chemicals linked to cancer or tumors in laboratory studies (PFOA and TFE);

Two chemicals that are potent global warming gases (PFB and CF4);

Two chemical warfare agents (PFIB and MFA) and a chemical analog of WWII nerve gas phosgene (COF2);

At least two chemicals that have widely contaminated the world (PFOA and TFA), one currently undergoing a rigorous safety review at the Environmental Protection Agency (PFOA);

Four gaseous chemicals and some components of the particulate matter that are highly persistent environmental pollutants, that likely never break down in the environment (TFA, PFOA, CF4, PFB, and the perfluorinated particulate alkanes); and

Four chemicals that are considered highly toxic relative to most other industrial chemicals (PFIB, MFA, COF2, HF).

Studies show that the gases that come off of non-stick pans are complex mixtures that vary in composition with temperature. At any given temperature the gas comprises one or more dominant chemicals, and other chemicals present in trace quantities. In numerous studies scientists have studied mortality in rats and birds exposed to the offgas mixtures, but potential long-term health impacts have not been studied. The government has not conducted a safety study of Teflon cookware. Accumulation of the offgas chemicals in food has not been studied. The potential effects to humans of inhalation exposures have not been studied, but several of the offgas components are considered highly toxic to humans relative to most other industrial chemicals.

DuPont scientists list the hallmark human symptoms of polymer fume fever as tightness of chest, malaise, shortness of breath, headache, cough, chills, temperatures between 100 and 104°F, and sore throat, based on a survey of complaints registered by workers who were struck by the illness [1]. Based on this suite of symptoms, cases of polymer fume fever from home exposures could easily be mistaken for the common flu.

birdmom · December 12, 2007

Wow Joe. I just checked the inside of my Toaster oven, and it appears to have a smooth dark non stick finish on the sides and back and possibly the top also. Fortunately I hardly ever use it. I think I may just get rid of it now. thanks.

birdmom · December 12, 2007

Also found on the EWG website this 2005 case against Dupont regarding the Teflon chemicals that cause cancer and pollute our environment. (http://www.ewg.org/node/8749)

EPA, DuPont Settle and Delay Court Case Over Human Pollution; Related EWG Content

EPA Fines Teflon Maker DuPont for Chemical Cover-Up

December 14, 2005

Coming to terms with perils of non-stick products

Toronto Globe & Mail | May 29, 2006

More related content »Categories PFOA/Teflon/Scotchguard

Teflon/Scotchgard (PFCs)Is DuPont Misleading Shareholders? Suspected Fine Falls Far Short of the

Norm

CONTACT: EWG Public Affairs: (202) 667-6982

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 6, 2005

(WASHINGTON, May 6) — The penalty DuPont will reportedly pay for covering up its pollution of newborn American babies with the cancer-causing Teflon chemical will likely be $15 million. This sum amounts to just 8 percent of the maximum allowable fine.

On April 28, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrative Law Judge Barbara A. Gunning granted EPA and DuPont until August 15 to formally announce their deal. DuPont's indestructible, toxic Teflon chemical is in the blood of over 95 percent of Americans. The full penalty amount for this count in EPA's lawsuit against DuPont is $183.8 million, an amount that dwarfs the $15 million DuPont has set aside [see details on fine amounts at www.ewg.org/issues/pfcs/tsca8e_teflon/index.php].

"Either DuPont is grossly misleading shareholders by shorting their liabilities for suppressing these Teflon studies by more than $163 million dollars, or they've rigged the EPA process to knock more than 90 percent off the potential fine," said Jane Houlihan, Environmental Working Group's (EWG) vice president for research. "Either way, something smells rotten here."

In 1981, two babies out of seven born to Teflon plant workers had birth defects along with the Teflon chemical in their blood. After EWG urged EPA to investigate DuPont's 20-year Teflon cover up, the Agency sued DuPont on four counts. For the suppressed study on the babies' blood alone, EPA could fine DuPont $183.8 million.

The Bureau of National Affairs (BNA) reported that the day before EPA was to recommend a penalty amount to the judge, the parties reached an agreement in principle, for which DuPont has set aside $15 million.

DuPont officials admitted at their April 27 annual shareholders' meeting that the company has so far spent $123 million in legal, public relations and other consulting fees to defend their Teflon chemical from two separate federal investigations and one class action lawsuit.

"The Teflon chemical will never go away because it never breaks down; it will circulate through our air, water and blood forever, and it causes cancer and other serious health problems in lab animals," noted Houlihan. "Even now, EPA is waiting for DuPont to turn over hundreds of boxes of information about the Teflon chemical — what else will we learn about DuPont's toxic Teflon chemical?"

birdmom · December 12, 2007

I'm on a roll now Joe. I just hate white collar crime. Take careful note of the last paragraph about LDL.

From:

http://www.ewg.org/node/8739

DuPont Study Finds Link Between Teflon Contaminant and Elevated Cholesterol

(January 11, 2005) Despite Teflon maker DuPont's longstanding claim that there are 'no known health effects' associated with its Teflon chemical PFOA, the company today announced that in a recently-completed worker study it found that PFOA exposures among Teflon plant workers were correlated with a 10 per cent increase in cholesterol. The company nonetheless repeats its 'no health effects' assertion in the same news release in which it announces that increase in human levels of the "bad cholesterol" (LDL). These results are consistent with previous findings of altered cholesterol in monkeys exposed to the Teflon chemical, and increased risk of death from stroke among workers exposed to the Teflon chemical.

This new DuPont finding regarding cholesterol is the fourth in a string of studies conducted since 1994 pointing to excess risks for stroke and heart attack among workers exposed to the Teflon chemical:

An American company called MIC Specialty Chemicals, Inc imports the Teflon chemical from an Italian company that makes it, called Miteni. Miteni's blood data of the past 17 years shows a slight increase of total cholesterol in the workers.

In worker blood studies conducted by 3M Corporation between 1994 and 2000, scientists also found excess total cholesterol levels among Teflon-exposed workers.

In 2001 3M published a study showing that workers exposed to the Teflon chemical for between five and 10 years face a risk of dying of stroke 15 times higher than non-exposed workers. 3M manufactured the Teflon chemical and supplied it to DuPont until 2002, when DuPont began its own production.

See sources here: http://www.ewg.org/reports/pfcworld

LDL, the "bad cholesterol" is a well-known risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The EPA is trying to figure out how the indestructible Teflon chemical PFOA has gotten into the blood of over 95% of Americans; it is also suing DuPont for hiding health data for over 20 years.

birdmom · December 12, 2007

And yet another factoid on teflon found on the eWG site, published in the Huffington Post:

http://www.ewg.org/node/18699

Farewell to Teflon

Huffington Post, Nora Ephron

Published June 12, 2006

I feel sad about Teflon.

It was great while it lasted.

Now it turns out to be bad for you.

Or, put more exactly, now it turns out that a chemical that's released

when you heat up Teflon is in everyone's blood stream -- and probably

causes cancer and birth defects.

I loved Teflon.

I loved the no-carb ricotta pancake I invented last year, which can be cooked only on Teflon. I loved my Teflon-coated frying pan, which makes a beautiful steak. I loved Teflon as an adjective; it gave us a Teflon president (Ronald Reagan) and it even gave us a Teflon Don (John Gotti, whose Teflon-ness eventually wore out, making him an almost exact metaphorical duplicate of my Teflon pans). I loved the fact that Teflon was invented by someone named Roy J. Plunkett, whose name alone you might have thought would have insured Teflon against becoming a dangerous product.

But this year DuPont, who makes polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) resin, which is what Teflon was called when it first popped up as a laboratory accident back in 1938, reached a $16.5 million settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency; it seems the company knew all along that Teflon was bad for you. It's an American cliche.

=================

Safty for their birds

Recommended Posts

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

Create an account

Sign in