What Is Teflon Flu?

Teflon flu is a condition caused by inhaling fumes from burning polymer products, usually nonstick cookware, according to the National Capital Poison Center. It says the symptoms are generally mild and self-limiting, but can be more serious in people with underlying lung problems and can be fatal to pet birds.

It takes a lot of heat. StatPearls, a medical reference on the National Library of Medicine’s bookshelf, says PTFE, the coating sold under the Teflon brand, releases fumes at temperatures as low as 260 °C (500 °F), but that symptoms in people generally do not begin until it is heated to 350 °C (662 °F), and that pyrolysis begins at 400 °C (752 °F).

Health Canada says nonstick cookware or bakeware may produce irritating or poisonous fumes if it is heated to high temperatures, and gives the example of an empty pan left on a burner.

Sources checked September 15, 2026. Every point below links the page it came from.

The sources behind this answer

  • Medical referenceThe National Capital Poison Center says Teflon flu comes from inhaling fumes from burning polymer products, usually nonstick cookware, is generally mild and self-limiting, can be more serious with lung problems, and can be fatal to pet birds. National Capital Poison Center ↗
  • Medical referenceStatPearls says PTFE releases fumes at temperatures as low as 260 °C (500 °F), that symptoms in humans generally do not begin until 350 °C (662 °F), and that pyrolysis commences at 400 °C (752 °F). StatPearls, National Library of Medicine ↗
  • Government sourceHealth Canada says nonstick cookware or bakeware may produce irritating or poisonous fumes if heated to high temperatures, such as an empty pan left on a burner. Health Canada ↗
  • Regulatory filingThe Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says Teflon is the trademarked brand name for PTFE, one member of the PFAS family. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency ↗

Sources checked September 15, 2026. A brand statement is the company’s own claim, which we report but have not verified. Our grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests.

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