non stick (teflon) pans

i have a dodgy gas stove which burns really hot. i've heard some horror stories about teflon pans, and the alleged, "teflon flu." my limited online research was fairly inconclusive as to whether or not they are actually shady. they certainly are quite handy for cooking eggs, pancakes, etc... anyone have any thoughts?

[CollinEstes]

I have one nonstick skillet to go with my stainless All-clad. Nice for some things like you said. I think the All-Clad teflon inside stuff is pretty solid.

[MonkeeMan]

Regarding the flu, surely teflon must be inert, right?

another point of concern. i bought my non stick in a 3rd world country. and by 3rd world, i mean THIRD WORLD. i don't think the fda has had a look at this one. in fact i believe i saw some teflon on my pancakes this morning.

[SheetWise]

If you have a bird, cooking on teflon can kill the bird. So, it can't really be good for you.

[jakethebake]

Don't worry about it. There is possibly a danger to unborn children as I recall, but nothing for grown people to worry about.

[kevyk]

I don't believe that Teflon cookware is known to cause harm in humans, but they do give off some form of chemical fumes which can be harmful to small animals such as birds.

My mom accidentally killed her pet cockatiel this way.

[CollinEstes]

Yeah I wouldn't go to the dollar store for you teflon though.

[MrWookie47]

[ QUOTE ]
Regarding the flu, surely teflon must be inert, right?

[/ QUOTE ]

Teflon is pretty inert, except at higher temperatures.

I don't believe that Teflon cookware is known to cause harm in humans, but they do give off some form of chemical fumes which can be harmful to small animals such as birds.

My mom accidentally killed her pet cockatiel this way.

call me crazy, but something which can kill another animal seems a little sketchy to me. they are so damn conveniant though...