I'm just getting over an allergy and asthma attack caused by overheating a teflon-coated pan. I was heating up a pan on the stove and got distracted by my dog needing to go outside. When I returned, the kitchen was filled with the most awful toxic smell of smoke from the pan. Within seconds, I couldn't breathe and realized I was having an allergy/asthma attack. Even though it was a cold day, we had to open all the windows and doors, and turn on ceiling fans to clear the air. To say the least, I will never do that again. I also am getting rid of that teflon pan and replacing it with one without coating. Teflon manufacturers claim their product is safe but yet canaries and parakeets can become ill if they are too close to the kitchen where teflon-coated cookware is being used.