Letters to the editor
Non-stick cookware not safe!
Sir,
Non-stick cook wares are now widely used in kitchen for cooking purposes. But these cook wares are not safe because on heating at high temperature they releases toxic fumes which are harmful for humans, animals and environment.
Non-stick cookware surfaces are coated with a synthetic polymer called polytetrafluoroetheylene (PTFE), also known as Teflon.
When a non-stick cookware is heated during cooking, it releases toxic fumes and inhaling of this fume may cause a flu-like symptom known as Teflon Flu in humans.
The toxic fumes generated in the non-stick pans may kill birds on inhalation.
It is better to restrict the use of non-stick cook wares; instead, stainless steel cook wares should be used for cooking.
In my opinion, we can go back to our traditional cook wares, that is, earthen pans and pots.
These are safe.
And using of earthen cook wares can protect our cottage industry plus create job opportunities!
Professor M Zahidul Haque
Department of Agricultural Extension Information System
Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University
Dhaka-1207
