UAE Residents Warned Against Teflon Flu; What Is It & How To Avoid It

It’s hardly any secret that the cases of Teflon Flu are rising in the US, and globally, due to the fumes from the overheated nonstick cookware. However, even the residents of the UAE have now been warned and have been urged to be cautious while using their nonstick pans. Yes, with increasing cases of Polymer Fume Fever, people have been asked to beware of their utensils and use them responsibly.

UAE Residents Warned Against Teflon Flu; What Is It

As the patients show flu-like symptoms just after hours of exposure, the Teflon flu is certainly on the rise in the US. With more than 250 patients hospitalised with the disease just the previous year in the country, there are now reports of a surge being revealed worldwide. Yes, a report by Khaleej Times mentions that patients show flu-like symptoms after they are exposed to a chemical called polytetrafluoroethylene, which is popularly known as nonstick coating Teflon. This happens due to the utensil being heated at high temperatures.

As a result, experts in the UAE have also urged people who use nonstick cookware with Teflon coating at high temperatures, i.e., over 500°F are at risk. This is due to the fact that using the utensil at this temperature releases chemicals into the air and when people inhale this, they develop symptoms, such as shivering, chills, fever, tightness in the chest, cough, or even body pain. It’s worth mentioning that this occurs generally a few hours after being exposed to the chemicals.

Are There Any Cases In The UAE?

However, at this point, it’s worth mentioning that right now there are no reported cases in the UAE. Even though there are none presently, it’s still important to spread awareness amongst people. Talking about the flu, patients generally see a peak in their symptoms within 24 hours of exposure. It gradually improves over 24 to 48 hours after symptomatic treatment. As such, they can expect a full recovery over the next 5 to 10 days.

Also Read: UAE Welcomes Its First Clarins Spa At Sofitel Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah

How To Avoid Teflon Flu?

It’s important that with the rise in the cases of Teflon flu, people take necessary steps and precautions to avoid them. Here’s what the experts have to say about avoiding Teflon Flu

• Experts in the UAE have said in the same report that people should use pans that have proper coating.
• If the coating has scratches or is beginning to wear off, they should discontinue. In fact, such nonstick pans must not be used in the oven over 500°F.
• People have been urged to make sure that their dishes are not too old and to get rid of pans that are older than 2014. The reason for this is that pan before this year, used to have a Teflon coating that was later discovered to have cancer risk.
• One must not overheat empty pans either and it should either be coated with some butter or oil so that it’s not empty at all.

However, if you are thinking of using an alternative, stainless steel vessels are a great option, as they can be used for cooking food as well.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (Images are for representative purposes)