Teflon Flu Is Rising in the US. Should You Be Concerned About Your Nonstick Pans?

If you're loyal to a nonstick pan, you're not alone. But believe it or not, if used improperly, the trusty kitchen staple can make you sick causing a condition known as Teflon flu.

Teflon flu, also known as Polymer fume fever, is an illness that occurs as the result of inhaling fumes from an overheated Teflon or nonstick pan, says Preeti Sharma, MD, a pediatric pulmonologist at Children's Health and associate professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Many nonstick pans or cooking appliances are coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which becomes toxic when overheated or burned, and releases chemicals into the air that can cause flu-like symptoms, she explains.

Anyone overheating a nonstick pan while cooking is at risk, though those who work in industrial settings with exposure to chemical fumes are at the highest risk of Teflon flu, Dr. Sharma says. However, according to The Washington Post, the number of cases increased significantly in 2023, with at least 267 reported cases. This is likely because more people prefer nonstick pans, but the rise in air fryers with nonstick baskets can also release fumes at high heat, which may be contributing to the increase in cases, Dr. Sharma says.

Fortunately, Teflon flu can be prevented. Here's everything you need to know about the condition, including Teflon flu symptoms, causes, and treatment.

Preeti Sharma, MD, is a pediatric pulmonologist at Children's Health and associate professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Laura Purdy, MD, is a board-certified family medicine physician and founder of Swell Medical.

Teflon flu is an illness that occurs as the result of inhaling fumes from an overheated Teflon or nonstick pan, says Laura Purdy, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician and founder of Swell Medical. This type of cookware is made from PTFE, also known as "forever chemicals" since they take years to break down, which becomes toxic when heated over 500 degrees, she explains. Breathing in those fumes can then cause flu-like symptoms.

Teflon flu is caused by inhaling fumes from an overheated nonstick (Teflon) pan made with PTFE, Dr. Sharma says. PTFE are considered safe at recommended cooking temperatures (low to medium heat), but when the coating becomes overheated or burned, it can release fumes causing flu-like symptoms, she explains.

Similar to other respiratory and flu-like illnesses, Teflon flu causes the following symptoms, according to Dr. Sharma and Dr. Purdy.

The key to preventing Teflon flu is to avoid preheating nonstick pans and only use them at the suggested temperatures (low to medium heat), Dr. Sharma says. "Heating nonstick cookware without food in it can also cause the coating to reach a higher temperature and therefore increase exposure," she adds. If a recipe calls for a preheated pan, Dr. Purdy says to always add olive oil or butter to minimize any risk.

You should also always use a vent hood or exhaust fan while cooking to increase air circulation and clear fumes, Dr. Purdy says. If you don't have a fan or vent, opening a window can also do the trick.

Finally, if you're concerned about Teflon flu, Dr. Purdy suggests switching to an untreated or uncoated cast iron skillet to avoid the issue altogether since they don't contain PTFE chemicals.

If you suspect you have Teflon flu and/or experience the associated symptoms, it's best to immediately get away from the source of the fumes, Dr. Sharma says. In most cases, symptoms will subside in a few days with rest and hydration, but over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can also be used if needed, Dr. Purdy says.

Severe cases of Teflon flu are rare, but if you have known exposure and experience shortness of breath, chest tightness, or high fever, Dr. Sharma says to visit your doctor for urgent care.

Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based freelance writer and graduate from Emory University and Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. Her work has appeared in POPSUGAR, Women's Health, Cosmopolitan, and elsewhere. She is a mass consumer of social media, former collegiate pole vaulter, and cares about holistic wellness and non-stigmatizing reproductive care.