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Chemical Compounds: PFOS, PFOA, and PTFE
Most notable of the non-stick cookware dangers, chemical compounds known as perfluorinated compounds are emitted from using this cookware. Once the compounds become heated, they are considered to be a potentially deadly vapor gas if taken in too quickly. Perfluorinated compounds are amongst many non stick surfaces, as well as in popcorn packaging, french fry boxing, candy bar wrappers as well as other various food items. It is best to stay away from anything that may contain perfluorinated compounds in them.
Along with PFOAs, another toxic chemical known as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are actually capable of killing birds. The chemical responsible for the biological damage, which has been shown to cause many problems in animals, has been found in the bloodstream of 95 percent of Americans.
Low Birth Weight in Infants
To add to the non-stick cookware dangers, a direct correlation between PFOA and low birth-weight has been found, affecting newborns around the globe. The full effects of C8 (further abbreviated name of PFOA) exposure went under study, under the lead of a Dr. Goldman of John Hopkins University. Though the results came to be conclusive about the low birth weight and other deformations found in infant children, the Teflon chemical still persists as the prime ingredient in non-stick surfaces.
Thyroid disease, oxidization of DNA in organs
The teflon compound, when released into the air around you and integrated into the bloodstream through ingestion, can pose a serious risk for thyroid damage while also negatively impacting DNA. The results from a study taken in Tokyo have found that these chemicals are at the very least carcinogenic, if not potentially more deadly on a larger timescale. Obviously people that have been using conventional products like candy wrappers and popcorn bags for the past century are at a greater risk for toxic exposure, but it should not be overlooked as something minor by any means.
So while non-stick cookware is convenient, is it really worth exposing yourself to the many non-stick cookware dangers? As a precaution, you may want to put aside the non-stick cooking 'essentials' and use something tried and true as a method for cooking their foods, just as a precaution and to hopefully enrich their lives further.
Personally, I prefer what my parents and grandparent used. Good old fashoned cast-iron pans. If seasoned properly, they work better and make food taste great. There's nothing like cornbread or fried potatoes cooked in a cast iron skillet.