How to Know If Your Teflon Pans Are Safe to Use

By David Watsky | CNET | August 20, 2025

Read the full article by David Watsky (CNET)

"If you're thinking of kitchen essentials, a nonstick pan is right up there. It can be excellent for cooking, especially if you hate cleanup, and is versatile enough to handle everything from simply frying an egg to cooking the perfect steak. However, nonstick cookware is often coated in Teflon. Although you can find a wide variety of nonstick cookware sets on the market, Teflon is a popular option. It's been around since the 1930s, and it's seen some questions from consumers surrounding the safety of the chemical-coated pans, especially in recent years.

Last year, the US saw an increase in reported cases of "Teflon flu." If that's something that has been on your mind, you're not alone. You can find a ton of Reddit users with the same concerns, with many wondering if it's dangerous to inhale Teflon fumes while cooking. The good news? If you have cookware that was made after a certain year and you use it properly, you shouldn't have issues with Teflon flu. But there are a few more things you should know and consider. Here's all you need to know about Teflon flu and how you can use your nonstick kitchenware without health worries."