“Teflon flu” is a short-term illness caused by breathing in gas vapors from overheated non-stick pans coated in PTFE, including Teflon. fever, tiredness, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and a dry cough. People can become exposed when the pans are heated to more than 500 F, which causes the coating to burn and oxidize producing harmful chemicals. It is important to use a hood fan when cooking and to avoid pre-heating nonstick pans. Stainless steel pans or cast-iron pans can be used as an alternative. America’s Poison Centers reported 267 suspected cases in 2023.

"Teflon flu” is a form of “polymer fume fever” that is a relatively rare condition. People at risk of exposure include those who use non-stick cookware, and people who work in jobs where they are heating synthetic materials like plastics and resins, including plastic welding, recycling operations, and some laminating processes.

“Teflon flu” specifically refers to the illness that results from using non-stick Teflon pots and pans, which when overheated release fumes that can produce a short-term immune response when they are inhaled.

The body’s immune system recognizes the fumes as something that should not be there, activating a series of flu-like symptoms. Symptoms usually occur soon after exposure and resolve within 24 to 48 hours. Severity can vary based on the length of exposure and individual factors. If polymer fume fever is suspected, call your local poison control department.

When used properly, non-stick Teflon pans can be harmless. This includes:

• Avoid overheating empty nonstick pans.
• Use your stove's exhaust fan and/or open a window while cooking.
• Avoid preheating an empty pan – have food, oil or butter already in it before heating, and only use low to medium heat.
• Don’t use these pans in ovens above 500 degrees Fahrenheit, including while on the self-cleaning setting.

Alternative cooking options other than nonstick cookware include cast iron and stainless-steel pans.

We are still learning how many cases of “Teflon flu” occur each year in the U.S., and what these numbers have historically been. While there are reports each year and these numbers were higher in 2023, it is likely that earlier years’ numbers are underreported.