I’m sure your spouses are just as annoyed with me as mine is. Every week I have you freaking out over the toxins in your home & giving you an excuse to go shopping. SORRY NOT SORRY!
Knowledge is power. And there are so many dangerous toxins we are unaware of that literally are making us so sick and killing us. Population control at it’s finest. Have you ever questioned why the medical industry is the most profitable it’s ever been? Why Instagram & Facebook are censoring holistic content? Why #sun is freaking banned?! These are all things we should be paying attention to right now.
And if we don’t fully understand the items we use everyday and the health implications they have, then we can never make the decision to do better.
So after so many months of talking about releasing this blog- I finally am!!! Today I am sharing all about the dangers of Teflon, why I switched to Xtrema 100% pure ceramic cookware, and how the two are related.
WHAT IS TEFLON?
We need to start here first. What is Teflon and how are we exposed to it?
Teflon is the dangerous chemical cocktail that makes your cookware non-stick. Teflon is the brand name for Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) which is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene (see why it’s easier to just call it Teflon).
PTFE was accidentally discovered in 1938 by Roy J. Plunkett while he was working in New Jersey for DuPont. In 1954, Collette Grégoire, the wife of French engineer Marc Grégoire, urged him to try the material he had been using on fishing tackle on her cooking pans. He subsequently created the first PTFE-coated, non-stick pans.
It has been used for non-stick pans since then. There are a ton of debates over the actual dangers of Teflon.So in 2013 the USA removed PFOA from the chemical cocktail of Teflon. It was stated PFOA is what was dangerous and the PTFE is perfectly safe. But is it? And should we be cooking with it?
In a statement, DuPont defended its safety and environmental record, and said that it does not produce PFAS chemicals, though it does use them. “We are leading the industry by supporting federal legislation and science-based regulatory efforts to address these chemicals,” the company wrote in an email. “We also have announced a series of commitments around our limited use of PFAS, including the [sic] eliminating the use of all PFAS-based firefighting foams from our facilities and granting royalty-free licenses to those seeking to use innovative PFAS remediation technologies.”
DANGERS OF TEFLON
Studies have been done stating Teflon is only dangerous after it reaches a heat of 500 degrees. And most reports state that you often cook under 500 degrees unless you are cooking steak, or with safflower & avocado oil. The pan can also reach up to 200 degrees hotter than the food inside it, so it’s very hard to monitor the actual temperature.
When you get a pan to the desired heat to cook, it continues to heat up during the duration of cooking. This then breaks down the chemical barrier of Teflon releasing over 15 toxic chemicals directly into your food and into the air. Those who cook regularly and for long periods of time can then experience ‘Teflon’ flu. Since Teflon chemicals stay in the environment and your body for long periods of time, the symptoms and exposure can worsen over time. These chemicals have been shown to kill pet birds instantly when they are exposed for even a short period.
“There’s a whole chemistry set of compounds that will come off when Teflon is heated high enough to decompose,” says Wolke. “Many of these are fluorine-containing compounds, which as a class are generally toxic.”
These chemicals are linked to cancers, respiratory diseases, toxicity, reproductive diseases, infertility, birth defects, and so much more. It was estimated in 2015 (2 years after PFOA was banned) that 95-99% of American’s have PFOA present in their bloodstream. No study has been done on PTFE (the chemical cocktail that makes up Teflon still on the market). It has even been stated by the American Cancer Society that PTFE doesn’t raise any concerns and there is no need to do any testing since most foods are cooked under 500 degrees (re-read the first paragraph in this section please). But in 2019 Seffrin (CEO of the American Cancer Society) earned total compensation of $856,442 as CEO of the American Cancer Society, in addition to $77,859 as president of the ACS Cancer Action Network, the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate. What is more profitable? Continued Cancer cases or removing chemicals that are linked to multiple cancers?!
DARK WATERS MOVIE EXPOSES THE MANUFACTURER OF TEFLON
If you haven’t seen Dark Waters, I highly suggest you watch it (like, today). It is an impactful movie exposing not only the dangers of Teflon but how the manufacturing company DuPont tested these chemicals on their workers, released the chemicals into the air, soil, and water, and conducted their own studies which PROVED that Teflon is not only dangerous, but deadly.
The movie depicts the true story of Ruffalo’s Bilott as a lawyer who defends large chemical companies before he is approached for help in 1998 by Wilbur Tennant, a West Virginia farmer whose land was contaminated by chemical giant DuPont. Angered over the injustice, and the complicity of local authorities, Bilott risks his career as he embarks on a decades-long legal siege of one of America’s most powerful corporations.
In 2017, Bilott won a $671 million settlement on behalf of more than 3,500 plaintiffs. Those people claimed they had contracted diseases, among them kidney cancer and testicular cancer, from chemicals DuPont allegedly knew may have been dangerous for decades, and allowed to contaminate their drinking water & cookware anyway.
“What we’re hearing once again from those companies that put those chemicals out there, knowing that they would get into the environment and into our blood, is that there’s insufficient evidence to show that they present risks to humans who are exposed,” explains Bilott. “These companies are going to sit back and say, we’re entitled to…use you as guinea pigs, yet those of you who are exposed are somehow the ones who are going to have to prove what these [chemicals] do to you.”
DuPont tried saying the movie was historically inaccurate. However, the evidence and case speaks for itself. Here is an incredible article that breaks down the movie’s accuracy. You will be appalled to learn the movie did not need to exaggerate to provide a story line. This scary movie that falls alongside the works of Erin Brockovich & is even more chilling because it’s true. You can find the article here.
WHY 100% PURE CERAMIC COOKWARE FROM XTREMA IS THE BEST OPTION
I highly encourage you to continue your own research from this blog. Knowledge is power & just because something is ‘legal’ or manufactured, doesn’t mean it is safe for us.
So now that you want to throw away all the cookware you own, what do you replace it with? My choice? 100% Pure Ceramic and Xtrema is my go-to place to get it and this matters a lot.
Not all ceramic products on the market are made the same. And many ceramic coated metal cookware that is greenwashed, actually contains PFOA which was the main chemical for debate in the dangers of Teflon & decades long lawsuit against DuPont.
So where you get your ceramic cookware and the quality matters.
Xtrema® cookware is different. Made from 100% ceramic, Xtrema® is all-natural, non-toxic, inorganic and nonreactive. From the glaze to the core, it contains no PFOA, PTFE, glues, polymers, coatings or dyes. Most importantly, Xtrema® cookware will never leach chemicals, metal, cadmium, lead, or change the taste of your food.
Before leaving their manufacturing facility, every shipment is inspected and tested for the presence of heavy metals. Xtrema® cookware is also FDA-approved and meets California Prop 65 standards, certifying that it is free of more than 800 compounds that may cause cancer, birth defects or reproductive harm.
If you have followed me for awhile, you know I am passionate about limiting heavy metal exposure. MTHFR gene is present in most Americans and many are never diagnosed with MTHFR. Meaning heavy metals from stainless steel, aluminum, and cast irons (more info below) leaked into our food gets trapped into our bloodstream causing a long line of diseases since we can adequately detox. Infants & children are at the most risk for this heavy metal exposure especially if they have MTHFR since their body isn’t mature enough to detox such heavy toxins. .
You can read more on MTHFR here.
From the Xtrema Website:
Xtrema® cookware was engineered by cookware experts to be endlessly versatile and durable. Taking inspiration from 5,000 years of ceramic innovation, Xtrema® cookware is handcrafted in a manufacturing process that takes 20 days from start to finish. Each piece is formed in a high-pressure casting mold and triple-fired at 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit, for strength and durability.
The result is cookware that is naturally durable and safe to use at all temperatures. The smooth, ceramic-glazed surface of Xtrema® cookware is also stain-proof, scratch-proof and chip resistant.
Right out of the box, Xtrema® cookware can be used on all cooking surfaces and withstand any cooking method–no seasoning required. You can use it in your oven, broiler, microwave, toaster oven, convection oven, steamer oven and grill. You can store it in the fridge, freezer or deep-freeze. You can bring it right to the table to serve. And when the meal is over, you can put it in the dishwasher or scrub, scour and scrape by hand–all without leaving a scratch.
100% PURE CERAMIC VS STAINLESS STEEL & CAST IRON
As I mentioned above, Stainless Steel & Cast Iron is still not the 100% non-toxic option and can be just as dangerous as Teflon depending on your genetics. Aluminum, copper, stainless steel and cast-iron cookware can leach heavy metals and toxic chemicals into foods at high temperatures—changing the flavor and health profile of your favorite foods.
In addition to being better for you, Xtrema® cookware is also better for the environment. While metal mining, refining and manufacturing pollutes the air and wreaks havoc on the environment, Xtrema® is crafted from renewable raw materials using earth-friendly manufacturing methods.
FAVORITE ITEMS FROM XTREMA
The Xtrema nine-piece Traditions ceramic cookware set will ensure that you never run out of options when it comes to preparing your favorite dishes for family members, friends, or hungry dinner guests. This set features three long-handled saucepans and our best selling 10-inch Covered Skillet. Each cooking pan is made from all-natural, inorganic materials, so you can feel better about the delicious dishes you serve. Best of all, our Xtrema nine-piece Traditions saucepan set provides the versatility you need to tackle meal-planning, potlucks, and more.
Each Set Includes:
1-Quart Traditions Saucepan with Lid
1.5-Quart Traditions Saucepan with Lid
2.5-Quart Traditions Saucepan with Lid
10-Inch Traditions Skillet with Lid
Skillet/Wok Silicone Handle Pot Holder
There’s just something about a good cup of tea. It can make any day a little better and allows you to either start your day or relax after a long one. Wouldn’t you like to elevate your tea experience? With our Xtrema 2.5-quart Swirl tea kettle, you can do just that. The problem with using metal is that the taste can leach into your water, and no one wants a metallic taste to their tea. Instead, whether you are making tea or hot water for bouillon, enjoy the pure taste of water, without any extras. With our easy-grip handle, you can easily pour the tea without burns or spills. This is a versatile, beautiful tea kettle that can be used for hot or iced tea, as it can easily switch from the stove to the fridge. The swirls in the body of the kettle really add some style to it, giving you a unique tea kettle you’re sure to love.
Creating meals that the whole family will enjoy has never been easier than with our Xtrema 8-quart Versa pot. You can easily make soups, casseroles, and more with this size pot. It offers easy grip handles, ensuring that transfer from the oven or stovetop goes smoothly, and easily. Weighing under ten pounds, this is lightweight enough to make carrying it to the table easy, but it is durable enough to survive the everyday wear and tear of being in a kitchen. Our scratch-proof high gloss black ceramic finish gives our 8-quart Versa pot the final touch it needs to not just work great, but to look great.
Honestly anything you get from Xtrema will be amazing. I am in the process of literally changing out my entire kitchen. It is something you will only have to do one time when you invest in long lasting ceramic cookware form Xtrema.
Thank you for reading!! I appreciate you all!!
RESOURCES:
https://www.xtrema.com/pages/pure-ceramic
https://www.thekitchn.com/what-is-teflon-260009
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polytetrafluoroethylene
https://www.thealternativedaily.com/truth-teflon-pots-pans-ceramic-best/
https://www.thekitchn.com/what-is-teflon-260009
https://time.com/5737451/dark-waters-true-story-rob-bilott/
