BellaOnline Forums Health and Fitness Allergies & Colds Don't overheat a teflon-coated pan

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.

I had a friend who raised big birds like cockatiels. She refused to use teflon as she said the fumes killed her birds.

I quit using it after she told me that. Now I use cast iron, glass or stainless steel pots.