A: PTFE (PolyTetraFluoroEthylene) is the same thing as the more commonly known Teflon. (“Teflon” is the trademarked brand name used by DuPont). And yes, there are health concerns associated with its use.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is an environmental research and advocacy organization that has looked closely at this issue. They have produced two reports which may be of interest to you.

The first report, called "Canaries in the Kitchen" is entirely focused on Teflon (PTFEs), and it focuses on the toxicity to pet birds especially - but it also discusses human health effects. When PTFE-coated pans are heated to high temperatures, they can “gas off” several toxic chemicals known to be fatal to pet birds. The report indicates that some humans (and they believe children are more susceptible) can get "polymer fume fever" from exposure to overheated pans as well.

You might especially want to look at the last two sections which include these helpful fact sheets:

"Tips for bird owners and the rest of us"

"Tips on safer cookware"

Q: My neighbor sprays his property for weeds during the summer.  I don't know what he is spraying but I'm worried about what is drifting over onto my property and how it may be affecting my family's health!   Where can I find out more about health effects of pesticides?  Is there anything I can do to make him stop?

A: We get this question a lot, as many folks are concerned about pesticide drift, especially when it affects their homes directly.  Unfortunately, your neighbor probably has the right to spray his own property in most cases.   But there are some things you can do to try and address the problem.

One suggestion from the Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides (NCAP) in Eugene, OR, is to educate yourself on alternatives to pesticides and then go talk to your neighbor.  As NCAP's fact sheet on Pesticide Drift suggests:

"Talk to your neighbor: Your pesticide using neighbor may well be happy to take steps to reduce your drift problems. Remember that all of the pesticide that drifts on your property represents his or her money that is being “thrown away.” Perhaps your neighbor will agree to substituting ground applications for aerial ones, setting up a buffer zone between your properties, or giving you advance notice of planned applications. Provide information about alternatives and see if your neighbor is interested in using more sustainable management techniques."

NCAP provides all kinds of information on pesticides and their alternatives, which you can use to educate yourself and share with your neighbor.

A few NCAP fact sheets you might be interested in are:

"You've Been Sprayed - What Can You Do?"

Steps for Rentals or Condo Owners

"Taking Care of your Lawn Without Using Pesticides"

See the list of all of NCAP's fact sheets