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<keyword id="22524198" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nonstick-cookware" source="keywords">Nonstick cookware</keyword> with its <keyword id="22334184" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Teflon" source="keywords">Teflon</keyword> coating has had a bad reputation since the early 2000s, cancer being one of its many alleged evils. And yet, not only is a nonstick pan found in almost every kitchen, it is also among the most-loved dishes to cook with — who doesn’t like it when their dosa comes out perfectly crisp AND lifts off the tawa off its own accord without having to scrape? But if recent news around the ‘<keyword id="22524197" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Teflon-flu" source="keywords">teflon flu</keyword>’ is having you eye your beloved nonstick rather suspiciously, we gotchu. According to a recent report, over 250 Americans were hospitalised last year due to a condition called ‘<keyword id="22541724" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="teflon-fever" source="Orion">Teflon fever</keyword>’, formally known as <keyword id="22541725" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="polymer-fume-fever" source="Orion">polymer fume fever</keyword>. Its symptoms range from mild flu-like symptoms such as headache and body aches to more severe conditions requiring medical attention. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="91352745" title="Healthy people are at-risk of liver disease from &amp;#39;forever chemicals&amp;#39; in takeout containers and non-stick pans, scientists say" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><h2>What is Teflon flu? </h2>Teflon, or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), is a synthetic chemical that creates a non-stick surface on cookware. While convenient, it can pose <keyword id="19977451" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-risks" source="keywords">health risks</keyword> if mishandled. When Teflon-coated cookware is overheated — to above 500°F (or 260°C), the coating can deteriorate, releasing harmful fumes into the air. These fumes contain a complex mix of fluorinated substances that can cause flu-like symptoms when inhaled. While Teflon cookware is a common culprit, it's important to note that other sources can also lead to similar symptoms. For instance, people working in welding or metal-related industries are at risk of metal fume fever, caused by inhaling fumes from heated metals. Symptoms of both Teflon flu and metal fume fever can include fever, chills, cough, chest tightness, and muscle aches. And if you experience these symptoms after exposure to fumes, it's essential to seek medical attention. <h2>How to prevent Teflon flu?</h2>To minimise the risk of Teflon flu and prolong the life of your cookware, follow these guidelines: Avoid overheating! Teflon flu becomes a problem when the nonstick cookware is heated past the 260°C-mark. However, this is rare as the temperature most meats and other foods are looked at is 75°C or hotter. When cooking on a Teflon-coated pan, using medium or low heat is recommended to prevent high heat from damaging the coating and releasing harmful fumes. If you’re looking to broil or sear your food, then avoiding your nonstick and opting for an iron skillet instead is recommended. Also, never heat your nonstick without oil or food already in it to prevent overheating. Proper ventilation To avoid inhaling any fumes that your Teflon-coated pan might be emanating, using the kitchen exhaust fan or opening the windows might be ideal. Utensil care The other major concern with Teflon coating is that it has been linked to various health conditions upon ingestion. One must avoid scratching it and only use wooden or silicone spatulas on it. Metal utensils can damage the coating and increase the risk of overheating, as well! Gentle cleaning Again, to avoid scratching your nonstick pan, wash it with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge is important. Abrasive scouring pads or steel wool are a big no on Teflon-coated cookware. You can consider soaking your nonstick for a bit in case of stubborn residue, but leaving it in water for a long time can damage its coating and shorten its lifespan over time. Replace when necessary This is perhaps the most important point to note: throw away your pans if they start to peel, flake or chip and find a replacement. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="95388062" title="A single scratch on a Teflon nonstick pan can release thousands of microplastic particles, study suggests" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>While Teflon cookware is usually deemed safe when used properly, it's also versatile and relatively cheaper than cast iron and carbon utensils. But hey, if you’re still uncertain about good old nonstick, there’s plenty of other options to explore!

5 tips to prevent ‘Teflon flu’ and use your nonstick pans safely

The concept of the spectral figure draped in a white sheet may have lost its terror appeal, but beneath the waves, where polythene bags drift much like shrouded figures, its reign of fear remains uninterrupted. The extended degradation time of plastics poses one challenge, yet when currents and other natural forces reduce them into smaller, fish-sized bites, a substantial problem arises for our marine friends who ingest them. This results in compromised liver, gut, and immune systems. So, if we are unable to diminish our reliance on plastics or prevent their influx into the oceans, what measures can we take to safeguard aquatic life? This conundrum gave birth to the idea of "biodegradable plastics," materials designed to break down more rapidly when discarded in landfills or water bodies. Scientists had long regarded such bioplastics as a panacea for combatting the microplastic-<keyword id="6355507" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="fish" source="Orion">fish</keyword> issue. However, it turns out that these advanced bioplastics aren't performing as optimally as initially anticipated. While they aren't as detrimental as traditional petroleum-based plastics, exposure to bioplastics still impairs a fish's ability to escape, a critical mechanism for protecting them from predators. Previous studies have revealed that both traditional and biopolymer <keyword id="6489736" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="microplastic" source="Orion">microplastic</keyword> exposure can influence various aspects of a fish's response to danger, such as a decrease in the speed or distance they would travel to elude their assailant. This recent study reaffirmed these findings, observing that fish (specifically a rocky reef species in this instance) tend to exhibit reduced escape velocities when exposed to bioplastics. Conversely, exposure to petroleum-based <keyword id="177410" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="polymer" source="Orion">polymer</keyword> microplastics predictably had an adverse impact on fish across the board. Traditional microplastic exposure hindered their responsiveness to danger and their ability to swim away quickly — qualities vital for survival. This also rendered the fish relatively lethargic, affecting their everyday behaviours like mean swimming speed and overall distance covered. While biopolymers did partially mitigate the harm to fish compared to traditional <keyword id="34567" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="plastic" source="Orion">plastic</keyword>s, the authors expressed concern that impaired escape behaviour would increase the likelihood of predation by birds and other fish. The paper consequently advocates for stricter waste management practices to improve plastic waste control. "With the escalation in the production of petroleum-derived and bioplastics, it is inevitable that marine organisms will encounter larger quantities of diverse microplastics, thus heightening the risk of microplastic ingestion," the paper observes. "It is important to acknowledge that, although bioplastics may be less environmentally damaging than petroleum-derived polymers, they are not without risks." The results of this study have been published in the journal Science of the Total Environment and can be accessed <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167423" data-type="tilCustomLink">here</a>.

Even ‘biodegradable’ plastics may not be enough to protect fish from doom, new research suggests

See the world's largest polymer 3D printer that was used to make a fully recyclable 600-square-foot tiny home in Maine

Happy Memorial Day, mates. I'm Diamond Naga Siu, and I'm excited that the French Open main draw is in full swing today.I'd love to watch it in-person someday. But flying to France is super expensive (especially from San Diego).So maybe I'll try this flight hack — <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-skiplagging-and-why-airlines-hate-the-booking-practice-2023-5">called skiplagging</a> — that airlines hate. My colleague <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/author/taylor-rains">Taylor Rains</a> breaks down how this hack <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-skiplagging-and-why-airlines-hate-the-booking-practice-2023-5">legitimately finds you a cheaper flight</a>. But it runs the risk of you getting banned from the airline.Maybe it's worth it to see my favorite tennis players compete on clay.Before I try skiplagging, let's dive into today's tech.If this was forwarded to you, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/subscription/newsletter/10-things-in-tech">sign up here</a>. Download Insider's app <a href="https://link.insider.com/click/27645591.160803/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zaWRlci5jb20vYXBwP25yX2VtYWlsX3JlZmVyZXI9MSZ1dG1fc291cmNlPVNhaWx0aHJ1JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NvbnRlbnQ9T3BlbmluZ19iZWxs/62667762063d6b9bef0cffb3Bf9c9aa56" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here.</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chatgpt-work-better-earn-more-money-2023-5"></a>1. ChatGPT helped these people earn more money and become better at their jobs. Many people are using ChatGPT to level up their work. Insider profiled four of them about how it has made their jobs easier: a recruiter, broker, entrepreneur, and chief marketing officer.<ul><li>They each use the technology for different aspects of their roles. One of them likened the technology to "having a 24/7 assistant." Another uses ChatGPT as their chief technology officer.</li><li>They each took us behind the scenes of how ChatGPT helps with their specific tasks. But the common thread among their experiences is how much time ChatGPT saves them.</li><li>My colleague <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/author/jack-sommers">Jack Sommers</a> gathered their profiles and highlighted how these workers turbocharged their jobs with technology.</li></ul><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chatgpt-work-better-earn-more-money-2023-5">Get their full stories here.</a>In other news:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/i-have-a-fake-personal-assistant-2023-5"></a><div type="image" title="A headshot of Jamira Burley wearing a black and white striped top while standing in front of a white background." height="4376" width="5834" msid="100593715" hostid="261" sizebytes="372358"></div>2. "I have a fake personal assistant." Jamira Burley works in tech and has a personal assistant named "Matt." He answers emails. He negotiates rates. He schedules meetings. But he's not real. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/i-have-a-fake-personal-assistant-2023-5">Here's why she created him a decade ago.</a>3. Amazon gave up on its climate pledge. The e-commerce giant previously promised to make half its shipments net-zero carbon by 2030. It recently reversed course and even deleted the blog post announcing its initiative. But Insider dug it up anyways. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-shipment-zero-gives-up-most-important-part-climate-pledge-2023-5">Read it here.</a>4. ChatGPT is a "black swan event." These rare events occur when something unforeseen happens with far-reaching impacts — but in hindsight, it looked inevitable. Many signs (like how ChatGPT blew up Big Tech) point to it qualifying. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chatgpt-changed-everything-and-was-a-black-swan-event-2023-5">Check them all out here.</a>5. This couple rents properties to sublet them on platforms like Airbnb. Nathan and Taniera Turner turned to this side hustle after both got laid off at the start of the pandemic. Now, they've scaled up to 25 different properties. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-make-money-succeed-airbnb-rental-arbitrage-2023-5">Here's how they did it.</a>6. "Remote-first" Robinhood is going back in-person. CEO Vladimir Tenev ordered employees back to the office four days per week, starting in September. He wrote, "there is value in us being together," in the email. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/robinhood-return-to-office-leaked-message-2023-5">Read his full office order here.</a>7. The bare-bones Tesla Cybertruck interior. We might just have gotten a first look inside the Tesla Cybertruck. Photos — allegedly from a shareholder day — began circulating online. And the interior is shockingly minimalistic. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-cybertruck-first-photos-reveal-a-shockingly-bare-bones-interior-2023-5">Drive over to check it out here.</a>8. $20,000 doesn't go far for a car. Around five years ago, 60% of used cars were under $20,000. Now, only around 30% of used cars are under that pricepoint. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/used-car-prices-today-more-than-20000-2023-5">Hop in to see the full used car landscape here.</a>Odds and ends:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/see-3d-printer-to-print-recyclable-tiny-home-maine-photos-2023-5"></a><div type="image" title="A module of University of Maine Advanced Structures and Composites Center's 3D printed tiny home being moved" height="1150" width="1533" msid="100593716" hostid="261" sizebytes="134782"></div>9. The world's largest polymer 3D printer. It's like a massive glue gun with hundreds of settings. The gigantic device (60-feet long and 10-feet tall) helped print a 600-square foot tiny home in Maine. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/3d-printed-tiny-home-made-from-recyclable-materials-in-maine-photos-2023-1">Tour the structure here</a>, btw. Then, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/see-3d-printer-to-print-recyclable-tiny-home-maine-photos-2023-5">get a full, 360-look at the printer here.</a>10. "I run a homeschool agency for clients like Kylie Jenner and Khloé Kardashian." It's a one-stop shop for families whose lifestyles didn't align with traditional schooling. Tiffany Sorya shares what it's like catering education for the ultra-rich. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/run-homeschool-agency-clients-kardashian-jenner-2023-5">Get her schooling story here.</a>What we're watching today:<ul><li>The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers kicks off its annual <a href="https://www.icra2023.org/welcome" target="_blank" rel="noopener">International Conference on Robotics and Automation</a>.</li><li>The <a href="https://www.amnh.org/research/hayden-planetarium/manhattanhenge" target="_blank" rel="noopener">first Manhattanhenge of the season</a> is tonight. It's a phenomenon when the sunset aligns perfectly with the Manhattan street grid.</li><li>Happy birthday, Mel B — <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJLIiF15wjQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tell me what you want!</a></li></ul>Curated by Diamond Naga Siu in San Diego. (Feedback or tips? Email <a href="mailto:dsiu@insider.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dsiu@insider.com</a> or tweet <a href="http://www.twitter.com/diamondnagasiu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@diamondnagasiu</a>) Edited by Alistair Barr (tweet <a href="https://twitter.com/alistairmbarr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@alistairmbarr</a>) in San Francisco and Hallam Bullock (tweet <a href="https://twitter.com/hallam_bullock" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@hallam_bullock</a>) in London.

10 Things in Tech: Renting properties to sublet them, the world’s largest polymer 3D printer, and a bare-bones Tesla Cybertruck interior

Artist makes clay beads with animal prints inside

This artist makes creepy cookie ornaments with teeth

By imposing a healthcare tax on <keyword id="6356212" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="LIQUOR">liquor</keyword> and fuel, the <keyword id="44522" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Uttarakhand">Uttarakhand</keyword> cabinet on Thursday increased the price of liquor by amounts between Rs 20 and Rs 200 per bottle and that of petrol and diesel per litre by Rs one and Rs two respectively. The healthcare tax imposed on liquor and petrol-diesel will be utilised for the development of the state, cabinet minister and State <keyword id="26362" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Government">government</keyword> spokesperson <keyword id="266731" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Madan-Kaushik">Madan Kaushik</keyword> said. Both the decisions will come into immediate effect as soon as the government orders in this regard come into force, Kaushik said. Foreign-made liquor and liquor made in India will now be available for an additional cost of Rs 20 to 200 per litre, he said. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="75615480" title="There was a second gas leak at LG Polymers' Vizag late on Thursday" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="75595863" title="The hike in excise duty on petrol and diesel is good news for these two companies" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

You Searched For "polymer" and got 7 results

5 tips to prevent ‘Teflon flu’ and use your nonstick pans safely

Ashmita Gupta

Even ‘biodegradable’ plastics may not be enough to protect fish from doom, new research suggests

Ankush Banerjee

See the world's largest polymer 3D printer that was used to make a fully recyclable 600-square-foot tiny home in Maine

Brittany Chang

10 Things in Tech: Renting properties to sublet them, the world’s largest polymer 3D printer, and a bare-bones Tesla Cybertruck interior

Diamond Naga Siu

Artist makes clay beads with animal prints inside

Keira Rosner

This artist makes creepy cookie ornaments with teeth

Keira Rosner

Uttarakhand imposes healthcare tax on liquor

PTI

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