Conference 7.286::pet_birds

    As far as I know ALL non-stick bake ware is dangerous, as the coatings
    are similiar, but in different colors and names.
    
    IF the stuff is dangerous to birds, you should also think about your
    own health.
    
    I won't have any of it in my house.
    
    Doug

    Nothing to get parano�d about realy.
    Teflon-based coated pans are only lethal if:
    - the pan would be swallowed
    - the pan would hit a vital organ if swung about
    - overheated
    
    Now only the last would be somthing to be concerned about. However, if
    you put this type of pan on the fire only when baking or frying
    s�mething, it would not release poisonous fumes unless you like your
    food charred.
    
    Peter

    
    All you have to do is even slightly scratch the teflon coating
    and the small particles that produces can cause problems, in humans!
    Let's not get people into a false sense of security when there really
    IS a problem with teflon/non-stick coatings.  I will also not allow
    any non-stick cookware into my house.  The same goes for plastic or
    styrofoam in the microwave oven as it outgasses as it is heated and
    transfers 'not-so-good', (ie: nasty), things into the food.  If you
    care for you and your birds, and there is any doubt about the toxicity
    of this stuff, then you should not use them...
    
    
    

    OK, OK, there �s risc involved. As there is in life itself. But
    generally speaking Teflon related problems are non-existant in respect
    to say smoking. Even just the odd smoker in your house is a far greater
    health threat to ANY aerobic creature than a non-stick pan is...
    And I guess you have no wood pressings containing formaldihyde either
    or any eternite isolation material in electric accessories or glasswool
    or poisonous plants, alive or in the form of hardwood.... and what
    about a cosey fire-place. You know, the one with the romantic rug. Over
    here they have been proven to be more polluting then car fumes and not
    just the outside air and that's not counting the oxigen deficite they
    often create in combo with insufficient ventilation.
    To get a perspective: a friend of mine  went through her whole house 
    checking out the hazards. Spent a fortune. When I went over, the bird 
    was sitting in a brass brazed cage..... Btw, soldering fluid is highly 
    toxic too.
    
    So, yes, be carefull. In fact be VERY carefull as pets are depending on
    you for their safety, but on the other hand the priorities are best in
    accordance with the risc. Also, unfortunately, you can't know
    everything especially as things aren't always known beforehand and even
    so you can't anticipate upon what you've got no knowledge about.
    However, go ahead as you want, after all, no Teflon = no problem.
    
    Peter                          

    At my house Smokers have to smoke outside, which may be hazardous to
    their health during winter and or inclement weather (Rain,
    huricanes...). , but that a risk they take.
    
    

    I was told the only danger with non-stck pans is extended use ....like
    baking beans for hours in a coated pot or cooking spagetti sauce for
    hours in a non_stick pot.....i cook with teflon and have 5 birds .....
    
                                           mary

A non-stick cookware manufacturer would say there was no Danger, but if you
talked to a cookware manufacturer that did not make non-stick, they would say
there is a definite danger.

Myself, if there is a non-chemical way to do something I prefer it.  I prefer a
little cooking oil (virgin olive) in a cast iron pan, rather than taking risk to
save the small fat intake and use a chemical coated pan.

I have not had non-stick cookware in my house for years, even before I had birds.