What is Teflon Flu? Learn about the illness linked to nonstick cookware

Non-stick frying pans, Dutch ovens and saucepans have been popular for years, but the cookware that is convenient and easy to clean has also been linked to some health problems – and there are indications that more people are noticing.

In 2023, there were 267 reports of suspected polymer fume fever reported to Poison Control Centers around the U.S., according to America’s Poison Centers , which represents the 55 accredited poison control centers around the country. The group added that the reported cases were not all confirmed nor did every patient report symptoms. The Poison Centers' information also noted that some patients may have been exposed to chemicals at work.

The number of cases reported in 2023 nearly tripled from just a few years earlier and while it reflects a small portion of Americans, experts say it can be difficult to measure the true number of people who are potentially impacted.

"A lot of the symptoms can resemble other illness like influenza and other viral infections, people might not realize that their symptoms are linked to their cookware," Melissa Dibble, a spokesperson at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told USA TODAY. "Poison centers may have information about the number of calls that they have received about these exposures."

Polymer fume fever, also known as “Teflon Flu,” is used to describe the flu-like symptoms a person can get after being exposed to fumes typically from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). PTFE-coated non-stick cookware has a polymer coating that prevents food from sticking in the pans while cooking. This material also makes the cookware easy to wash. However, at normal cooking temperatures cookware set scan release toxic gases and chemicals, according to an article in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information .

USA TODAY reached out to Teflon for comment but did not receive a response prior to publication.

Here is what you need to know about Teflon Flu.

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What is polymer fume fever?

Polymer fume fever or Teflon Flu is caused by inhaling fumes from burning plastic and polymer products including polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE, the Poison Control explains.

"Teflon flu is a specific type of polymer fume fever," Dr. Kait Brown, clinical managing director at America’s Poison Centers, told USA TODAY. "It’s a flu-like illness that occurs from breathing in fumes from polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) that has been heated beyond its recommended maximum temperature."

Symptoms of Teflon Flu

According to the Poison Center , people can feel the following symptoms after inhaling fumes from PTFE-coated products:

• headache
• fever or elevated temperature
• shivering or chills
• muscle aches or cramps
• weakness
• coughing
• thirst
• nausea
• sweating
• bad or unpleasant taste

In addition, Brown said that symptoms usually last between one to two days.

Dibble adds that these fumes can be harmful to pets as well.

"Fumes released when PTFE is heated to high temperatures can be harmful to animals such as pets," she said. "Animals with fragile respiratory systems, such as birds, tend to be more susceptible to these fumes."

How many cases of PTFE have been reported?

According to data collected by the Poison Centers, these are the number of cases that have been reported since 2018:

Can't see the table? Click here to view it.

What is the proper temperature for these cookware items?

Brown advises that everyone should, "follow the recommended maximum temperature provided with their cookware."

"In general, do not leave an empty Teflon pan on high heat and do not use in ovens hotter than 500 degrees Fahrenheit," Brown said. "Use a kitchen exhaust fan while cooking if possible."

NIH report details the signs and symptoms of Teflon Flu

In December 2012, the NIH published a case report about a 29-year-old Japanese man who had flu-like symptoms after inhaling evaporation from a PTFE-coated cooking pan.

While preparing lunch around 11:00 a.m. the man fell asleep and left a pan of boiling water for his pasta on the stove. Five hours later, the man woke up and noticed white smoke, the report said.

The report said that after getting up the man worked to extinguish the fire and brought the burned pan to the sink to run water on it. Doing this caused an explosive vapor to come from the pan which he inhaled. Several hours later the man felt fatigue, had a cough and had trouble breathing. He then sought medical attention.

After showing the doctors pictures of the burned pan and the symptoms that he exhibited, the medical staff determined that polymer fume fever was present. He was then treated with oxygen inhalation and kept at the hospital for observation. The next day, his symptoms significantly improved and by the third day his symptoms were gone, the report said.

If you believe you may have Teflon Flu or may be exposed to any other toxic chemicals, call the Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for immediate assistance.

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at aforbes@gannett.com . Follow her on Instagram , Threads and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is Teflon Flu? Learn about the illness linked to nonstick cookware