Health Hazard Benzene in non-stick pans

TV article reveals: Toxic benzene health risk in non-stick coating

08/25/2013

Pans with anti-stick coating can, according to NDR research toxic benzene, if they are heated too much. In part, 625 times the orientation value customary in Germany was measured.

Research by the NDR magazine
Anti-stick pans, when heated strongly, can release toxic benzene into the ambient air at a critical concentration. This was the result of an inquiry commissioned by the Business and Consumer Magazine „market“ from the NDR television. DEKRA's laboratory for environmental and product analysis entrusted it with brand-new pans with anti-stick coating removed directly from the packaging, which were then heated to a standard oven.

More than 625 times worth
In a pan model, benzene was detected in the subsequent analysis at a concentration greater than 625 times the indoor orientation value customary in Germany. For two other products, the auditors also encountered questionable levels of benzene. A total of three anti-adhesion models of well-known manufacturers and dealers have been investigated.

Benzene in food
Benzene is a liquid organic chemical compound with a characteristic aromatic odor and has been shown to cause serious health effects such as cancer. It is more common for benzene to be found in food. For example, the Stiftung Warentest had for this year's May issue of the magazine „test“ 25 mineral waters with aroma studied and shared with: „Of particular concern is the discovery of benzene, because the carcinogenic substance was found in three beverages with cherry flavor (Penny / Elitess aqua plus cherry, Volvic cherry and Vitrex cherry)“. The value was at the mark „vitrex“ „[...] at 3 micrograms per liter, well above the limit of 1 microgram of benzene per liter for drinking water.“

Traders see no danger
For benzene, according to the World Health Organization WHO, there is no harmless value. Therefore, she considers it appropriate to largely reduce the interior concentration. Toxicologists call for a general minimization requirement for benzene. The manufacturers and traders of the pans who were confronted with the search would not see that their products could pose a health risk. At least two of the dealers vacated „market“ on the other hand, if overheating of the products marketed by them would allow the release of benzene. Although their instructions for use warn against overheating in an empty state, there is no indication that benzene was released. And the third ladle tested missed any warning about overheating the product. The report will be broadcasted on Monday at 20:15 on NDR television „market“ be visible. (Ad)

Picture credits: Rainer Sturm