Teflon is a synthetic, heat-resistant, plastic material that's commonly used in cookware and other products. It's also known by the names polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and fluoropolymer. PTFE is made of carbon and fluorine atoms, which gives it unique properties like low friction and excellent insulating abilities.

Teflon was invented by DuPont chemist Roy Plunkett, who accidentally found it while trying to create a new chlorofluorocarbon. It's now widely used in a variety of industries from automotive parts and tools to light bulbs.

In the kitchen, Teflon is most often found in nonstick pans and other cookware. While it's a safe, if not completely inert substance, cooking with it can be dangerous because it releases toxic fumes when it's heated to high temperatures.

PTFE has been around for a long time and is widely used in dozens of industrial and scientific applications, including water-repelling fabrics, communications cables, kid-resistant interior paint, automobiles and even on the International Space Station. But it's a chemical compound that's been linked to cancer, immune deficiency and liver damage in animal studies.

The Chemical That Makes Teflon a Concern

The reason that teflon is considered unsafe is a chemical that's been used in the production of PTFE, called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). While it's been banned in Europe and the United States since 2008, it's still commonly used to make PTFE.

Because of this, it's important to check the label on your pots and pans before you buy. Avoid any nonstick pans that have been manufactured before 2013, as they likely contain both PFOA and PTFE. It's best to replace these toxic pans with safer alternatives, such as cast iron, stainless steel, ceramic or glass cookware.