If you use
your Teflon or non-stick pots and pans on a daily basis, you may unknowingly be exposing
your family to hidden dangers. That's because non-stick cookware is made using
a carcinogenic chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which starts
emitting toxic fumes that you inhale every time you cook with a non-stick pot or
pan! However, the Bengaluru-based Hairline International after initiating research
has started to build awareness among Indians on the use of Teflon products and its
harmful effects. The centre is now getting the Government of Karnataka involved
to fund the project and also likely ban on Teflon products in the state.
Research indicated that
at high temperatures, the coating of non-stick cookware will also break down
into a chemical warfare agent known as PFIB, and a chemical analog of the WWII
nerve gas phosgene.
Teflon has been in commercial use since the 1940s. It has a
wide variety of products used in clothes, food and even water because it is extremely stable (it doesn’t react with
other chemicals) and can provide an almost frictionless surface. Most people
are familiar with it as a non-stick coating surface for pans and other
cookware. It is also used in many other products, such as fabric protectors.
Hairline International Research Report
Hairline International Research and Treatment
Centre released a report on the effects of Teflon that contains
Perflurooctanoic Acid (PFOA), on hair fall. The report was released by Dr. S.
Sacchidanand, Director of Medical Education, Government of Karnataka. In this
recently concluded study, it was proven that 80% of the cases visiting the
clinic with hair fall are PFOA positive. What is alarming is that of these
cases, 65%, irrespective of gender developed high cholesterol. 70% of the women
developed Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) and 65% developed hypothyroidism.
Speaking on the release of this research, Dr.
Sacchidanand said, “There are a number of products we use on a daily basis
thinking that they are good for our health and lifestyle. However, research
such as the one released by Hairline International today shows that there is a
need to examine such products and substances in depth to truly understand their
impact on us in the long run”.
Dr. Dinesh G Gowda,
Dermatosurgeon Hairline International Research and Treatment Center says, “Once
PFOA is in the system, it is metabolized by the kidneys and liver, affecting
the larger organs significantly in the long run. There are a range of diseases
that the average human is now exposed as a result of lifestyle changes and the
hectic pace of life in general. What was once perceived as a move towards a
healthy lifestyle can now be the cause of illness.”
Dr. Premalatha V, Dermatosurgeon, Hairline
International Research and Treatment Center says, “We have routinely carried
out numerous researches on the various elements patients are exposed to and
their possible connection to hair loss. Teflon (PFOA) is a commonly occurring
element in households and even in water, and we found it important to look into
its connection with hair loss. This research provides a new approach to dealing
with hair loss and looks beyond known causes usually found in textbooks. This
approach takes into account the new lifestyle diseases that are now afflicting
people”.
Bani Anand, Founder and Managing Director,
Hairline International says, “Hairline’s research wing has, over the years
undertaken numerous researches which have helped us enhance the medical
management of hair and skin that we are dedicated to doing. Internationally, a
number of researches have been conducted on the possible harmful effects of
PFOA and it has been found to have negative effects. This research helps us
understand how an everyday element can wreak havoc on hair and how it may be
countered”.
What is Teflon?
Teflon coated pans are a common occurrence in
most home, especially considering that these products are marketed for the
health conscious. One of the substances it comprises is PFOA. Most of the fast
food packaging as well as candy wrappers and pizza box liners contact food
contact papers that have traces of PFOA in them. PFOA has also been found in
industrial waste, stain resistant carpets, carpet cleaning liquids as well as
in house dust, microwaveable popcorn bags, food and water.
Once ingested in humans, PFOA has an average
elimination half-life of about 3 years. There are also reports that have shown
in animal based testing that there is a connection between PFOA and the
occurrence of bladder, colon and prostate cancer.
Understanding the Research; Research
Methodology, Observation and Inference
Hairline International has conducted an
observational study across 6 centres of the organization for a period of one
year from October 1, 2015 to October 30, 2016 to understand the effects of PFOA
in the blood and its correlation to hair loss. 500 cases and 500 controls were
taken for the study.
A detailed history was taken of each the cases
to understand their lifestyles and the number of times they use non-stick
cookware in a week.
It was seen that 401 out of the 500 cases
(chosen from the urban areas) examined tested positive for PFOA in the blood.
These results were primarily from the age group of 18 years to 44 years and
those working professionals who were regular in consuming food made in
non-stick cookware at least 4-6 times a week.
The 500 controls, on the other hand, were
Bengalureans from lower strata of society- mostly physical and manual
labourers, who used earthen pots and steel or aluminium cook ware to cook or
warm their food. Only 15 subjects were found to be PFOA positive.
The study thus concluded that 80% of the cases
visiting the clinic with hair fall are PFOA-positive. High PFOA levels leads to
a higher incidence of PCOD, hypothyroidism, and high cholesterol, all of which
indirectly cause hair fall. Further studies are needed to clearly identify
clinically meaningful aspects of PFOA-associated hair loss. Larger studies may
be required to draw definitive conclusions.
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