Jash Botanicals Natural Health Corner

Yes, it’s made our life easier, and we don’t need to scour and rub like we did in the old days.  You won’t, however, like what else it is liberating from the bottom of the pan.  Current evidence indicates that non-stick coatings (teflon) are releasing highly toxic molecules right into our systems; to which our bodies are holding onto them for extended periods of time (PFOA has a half-life of 4.4 years in the human body—assuming that you have no more exposure).

These non-stick materials are centered around a class of compounds called perfluorochemicals, or PFCs.  This family of PFCs is made up of different substances.  The key compound is called perfluorooctanoic acid or PFOA.  PFOA is a major building block of numerous non-stick products.  It is great for resisting chemicals and heat and almost nothing sticks or can be absorbed by it.  They are even used in floor wax and shampoos because they repel grease and oils.

On the other end of the spectrum, however, researchers have found that these same compounds do not break down in the environment.  In other words, it may be the most unrelenting manmade chemical every manufactured.  Bottom line—PFOA lasts forever!

As with many of the chlorinated compounds, PFOA is amassing in our bodies.  Scientists and researchers have tested and found fifteen PFC associated chemicals in human blood and tissues.  It is so rampant that according to statistics, it is actually universal.  Just to give you an idea of how pervasive this problem is, 598 children from 23 states gave their blood samples to be tested, and PFOA was located in 96% of the samples.

Lastly and more importantly are the repercussions to the presence of PFOA and of PFCs in our products.  Let’s start with the fact that PFOA is believed to be a carcinogen and has been connected to testicular, pancreatic, breast, and liver cancer.  What’s more, it is an endocrine (or hormonal) disruptor known to generate elevated levels of estrogen and abnormal testosterone regulation in the body.  Even Dupont (they manfacture the stuff) has admitted that the PFOA in their products can be attributed with a 10% rise in LDL cholesterol (the bad stuff) in their factory employees.  The bottom line is that scientists have yet to uncover a PFOA exposure level low enough to stop immune system dysfunction.