Are Fumes From Overheated Non-stick Coated Cookware Harmful To People?
All fumes can be irritating or even harmful. Butter, fats, and cooking oils will begin to smoke at 400 F (204 C), producing fumes that can irritate eyes, nose and throat and possibly cause respiratory distress. DuPont non-stick coatings will not begin to deteriorate in appearance or performance until the temperature of the cookware reaches about 500 F (260 C). The coating will not show significant decomposition unless temperatures exceed about 600 F (316 ). Only at these extremely high temperatures (600 F and above) could non-stick coatings emit fumes that could produce a temporary flu-like condition called “polymer fume fever.
