Hello, jat-ga!
Thank you for a very interesting question. I have researched the
possible correlation between aluminum and Alzheimers disease, and the
effects of teflon fumes on both humans and birds. The following
references provide some interesting information.
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ALUMINUM COOKWARE AND ALZHEIMERS
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While there has been mention made of the potential correlation between
aluminum cookware and Alzheimer's disease, it appears that aluminum
from other sources such as drinking water and antiperspirants may pose
a far greater threat than cookware.
=
From "Aluminum In Drinking Water Tied To Alzheimer's," by Jacqueline
Stenson. (5-2-03) http://www.rense.com/general37/SSTER.HTM
"Adding support to a controversial theory linking aluminum with
Alzheimer's disease, new research indicates the disease is more common
in regions of northwest Italy where levels of aluminum in drinking
water are highest.And when the investigators studied the effects of
one form of the metal on two types of human cells in the lab, they
found it hastened cell death."We were absolutely surprised by these
results," said study author Dr. Paolo, a researcher at the University
of California at Los Angeles. "I did not expect any effect from
aluminum."In findings released here Monday at the annual Experimental
Biology meeting, Prolo and colleagues focused on monomeric -- single
molecule -- aluminum. This is the type that can be most easily
absorbed by human cells, he said."
"While there have been suggestions that aluminum cookware might pose a
risk for Alzheimer's, the type of aluminum used in pots and pans
consists of multiple molecules and does not appear to affect human
cells, according to Prolo. "There is almost no evidence that the
cookware is dangerous," he said. When the researchers tested water in
regions of northwest Italy in 1998, they found that total aluminum
levels -- including monomeric and other types of aluminum -- ranged
from 5 to 1,220 micrograms per liter, while monomeric aluminum levels
alone ranged from 5 to 300 micrograms per liter."
(Read more....)
==
From "Aluminum and Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease."
http://www.mercola.com/1998/archive/aluminum_and_alzheimer_prevention.htm
"Environmental aluminum is linked to increased rates of AD. Aluminum
is a common constituent of the environment and has no recognized
biologic function. It is absorbed primarily through the intestine but
also through the lungs and skin. Seven studies have related elevated
aluminum concentrations in drinking water to an increased incidence of
AD."
"Of more practical importance is a case-control study which looked at
the association of AD and lifetime exposure to aluminum in
antiperspirants and antacids. Scientists found a direct correlation.
The more antiperspirant that was used, the more likely the person
would develop AD. The same held true for aluminum antacids. The risk
in high users was as high as 300%."
"There is another line of independent evidence that shows aluminum is
associated with the cause of AD. If persons affected with AD are given
a compound which binds aluminum and helps to remove it from their
body, they deteriorate at much slower rates compared to those who do
not receive the binder."
"Science still has quite a few years of research before it can
definitely state that aluminum causes AD. However, the above items of
evidence should encourage us to limit our aluminum intake if we hope
to avoid this horribly devastating illness."
==
From "Is Aluminum Cookware Safe?" IVillage
http://www.parentsplace.com/expert/nutritionist/qas/0,10338,240110_114795,00.html
"Recent worry over the use of aluminum cookware stems from the
discovery of aluminum deposits in the brains of patients with
Alzheimer's disease. According to Creighton Phelps, Ph.D., director of
medical and scientific affairs at the Alzheimer's Association, much
recent data supports the theory that brains already damaged by
Alzheimer's disease may allow abnormally high levels of aluminum to
enter the brain. In other words, the aluminum did not cause the
Alzheimer's, but rather people with Alzheimer's tend to concentrate
and store aluminum."
"The aluminum ingested from cookware is insignificant compared to the
aluminum from other sources. Aluminum is the third most abundant
element on earth. It's everywhere -- in soil, water and air. Because
it's so ubiquitous it is ultimately in the water we drink and the
plants and animals that we eat. It is also found in many FDA approved
medications. According to The Mayo Clinic more aluminum may be
ingested in over-the-counter medications (aluminum-containing antacids
contain 50 mg., buffered aspirin contains 10 to 20 mg., etc.) than
from eating food prepared in older aluminum cookware. Normal daily
ingestion of aluminum is 10 milligrams, mostly from food; cookware
contributes only about one or two milligrams of the total. The World
Health Organization estimates that adults could consume over 50
milligrams of aluminum daily without harm, so there's little reason
for you to worry."
"There is a new type of aluminum cookware that is now being sold. It
is called anodized aluminum. The anodizing process electrochemically
changes the surface of the pan, essentially sealing the pan. Unlike
traditional aluminum cookware, anodized aluminum pans can be used to
cook foods high in acid content without the risk of aluminum entering
the food. Because anodized aluminum cookware doesn't react to acidic
foods these pots and pans are the best choice if you are cooking
fruits and sauces with tomato, wine, and lemon juice."
==
Also read:
Question and Answer from the National Institute of Environmental
Health Sciences: http://www.niehs.nih.gov/external/faq/alum.htm)
==
From "Review of studies on exposure to aluminum and Alzheimer's
disease." Rev Esp Salud Publica. 2002 Nov-Dec; 76(6): 645-58. PubMed
extract
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12602134&dopt=Abstract
"A review has been made of the epidemiological studies published
evaluating the role of aluminum as a risk factor for developing
Alzheimer's disease. A search for published studies was conducted in
the Medline database by combining the terms "Aluminum" and
"Alzheimer's disease". In most of the studies reviewed, exposure to
aluminum in drinking water was examined. These studies suggest that a
relationship exists between aluminum (Al) and Alzheimer's disease
involving relative risks of around 2 for populations exposed to Al
concentrations in drinking water higher than 0.1 mg/l. Types of
exposure to this metal by other means (food, medications and
occupational exposure) have received little attention. These
epidemiological studies entail certain methodological limitations, and
their results are not consistent, so the results available to date
therefore not making it possible to clearly determine that any
relationship exists between exposure to aluminum and the etiology of
Alzheimer's disease. Nevertheless, the toxic effect of aluminum on
human health cannot be ruled out either, and thus exposure to aluminum
should be monitored and limited as far as possible."
==
Frequently Asked Questions from the Alzheimer's Corporation
http://www.alzheimerscorp.com/faq.htm
Q. "What about aluminum? I have heard that it causes Alzheimer's
disease. Should I get rid of my aluminum cookware?"
A. "For the most part, this rumor has been squelched. Aluminum does
not cause Alzheimer's disease. The ancient Romans did not use aluminum
cookware, but they suffered from Alzheimer's disease. Aluminum, a
heavy metal, is usually prevented from entering the brain by a
submicroscopic membrane called the "blood brain barrier". In
Alzheimer's disease, this barrier is damaged, allowing aluminum to
enter the brain. So, the aluminum in the brain of an Alzheimer's
patient is a result of Alzheimer's, not a cause."
==
For a review of sustances used in cookware and a guide to safe cooking, read:
"Cookware Today." (1998)
http://www.msue.msu.edu/msue/imp/mod02/01500616.html
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TEFLON FUMES AND HUMANS
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From "Fumes from heated Teflon kill birds, sicken humans," by Ken Ward
Jr. Charleston Gazette (May 15, 2003)
http://www.ewg.org/news/story.php?id=1721
Excerpts:
"Fumes from cookware coated with DuPont Co.?s Teflon and other
nonstick surfaces are killing pet birds and ** can make humans sick,
** an environmental research group says in a new report."
"It?s a big, looming question: If these fumes kill birds, what do they
do to people?" said Jennifer Klein, a working group scientist studying
the issue. "We?ve seen no government review or study of the safety of
Teflon for people."
"The dangers of Teflon production and use have come under additional
scrutiny, in large part because of a lawsuit over pollution from
DuPont?s plant in Parkersburg. Plant neighbors allege that their water
and air have been polluted by C8, an unregulated but toxic chemical
DuPont uses to make Teflon."
"Last month, a Wood County judge ordered DuPont to pay for blood tests
to determine the levels of C8 in the bodies of thousands of area
residents."
...
"In humans, DuPont?s scientists have concluded that "polymer fume
fever" is possible at 662 degrees, a temperate easily exceeded when a
pan is preheated on a burner, placed beneath a broiler, or in a
self-cleaning oven."
"The sickness is characterized by tightness of the chest, shortness of
breath, headache, cough, chills, a sore throat and fever of 100 to 104
degrees. Since DuPont?s discovery of the sickness, cases stemming from
home kitchen exposure have been reported in the peer-reviewed
literature."
"The working group?s report is available on its Web site at www.ewg.org.
(Also read further): "Teflon in a Sticky Situation."Children's Health
Environment Coalition
http://www.checnet.org/healthehouse/education/articles-detail.asp?Main_ID=600
==
From "Dangers of Teflon Coated Untensils," by Raymond Powers. (June 2003)
http://soundingcircle.com/newslog2.php/_d195/_v195/__show_article/_a000195-000212.htm
"At 680°F Teflon pans release at least six toxic gases, including two
carcinogens, two global pollutants, and MFA, a chemical lethal to
humans at low doses. At temperatures that DuPont scientists claim are
reached on stovetop drip pans (1000°F), non-stick coatings break down
to a chemical warfare agent known as PFIB, and a chemical analog of
the WWII nerve gas phosgene."
=
"DuPont's TeflonŽ works wonders at keeping food from sticking to pots
and pans. But after 50 years of use, evidence is mounting that
Teflon's key ingredient, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), "sticks" in
the environment indefinitely. Environmental health advocates are
concerned that exposure to environmental PFOA as well as to airborne
fumes released when nonstick cookware overheats may be more toxic than
realized.
***********************
TEFLON FUMES AND BIRDS
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From "The Silent Killer," by Joanie Doss. The Aviary
http://www.theaviary.com/teflon.shtml
"It makes no sound and has no smell. Polytetraflouethylene (Teflon
fumes) is deadly for your birds. A bird's size and lung capacity make
him more sensitive to the toxins in our environment. It was for this
reason that coal miners would take a canary down into the mines with
them. If the bird became sick or died, they knew it was dangerous for
them to be in that mine."
"Polytetraflouethylene is known by the brand name Teflon and most bird
owners realize that using products that have this coating cannot
safely be used around birds. However, there are many other brand names
that are also polytetraflouethylene. Some of these are: Silverstone,
Fluron, Supra, Excalibur, Greblon, Xylon, Duracote, Resistal,
Autograph and T-Fal are just a few. These coatings are used primarily
to keep things from sticking."
"The San Antonio Zoo in Texas lost 21 birds in an outdoor aviary
awhile back. Their death was caused when the birds gathered by lights
that the zoo had installed so that the birds could warm themselves in
an outdoor aviary. The bulbs had been coated with
Polytetraflouethylene. Phillips standard red heating lamps have a
coating of Teflon. The FDA now requires that bulbs be given a Teflon
coating as a shatter shield when used around food."
...
"Birds die an extremely painful and agonizing death when exposed to
these fumes. This product may not kill all the birds at the same time.
The toxins travel on air currants. The currant can by-pass one bird
and come in contact with another. The fumes swirl on these air
currants similar to the way that smoke would. The bird does not have
to be in the room where the fumes originate as they can be carried
into various parts of the house on these air currants. Smaller birds
can take less of the fumes than a larger bird, but even a small amount
of exposure can kill a large bird."
"When the report first circulated about Teflon causing bird deaths, it
was thought that very high heat was needed to release the deadly
fumes. Now there are reports that temperatures as low as 285 degrees
can cause death to birds."
"Teflon starts emitting fumes from the start of heating. It does not
have to be a high temperature or for an extended length of time to
cause death to your bird. Small birds breathing these fumes for only a
few seconds took as long as 24 hours to die."
"Many people think that Teflon is only dangerous if the pan burns.
This danger lurks in other products besides cookware. These do not
have to operate at a high temperature to cause damage to your birds. I
have listed some products that use polytetraflouethylene. Not all of
these use this coating nor are these the only places that it is used.
Carefully read all products that you buy before you use them around
your bird. If in doubt, call up the manufacturer and asked what he has
used in the product."
Some Products That Use Polytetraflouethylene
Heat lamps
Portable heaters
Sole plates on irons
Ironing board covers
Burners on stove tops
Drip pans for burners
Broiler pans
Griddles
Many cooking utensils
Woks
Waffle makers
Electric skillets
Deep fryers, crock pots,
Hot air popcorn poppers
Coffee makers
Bread makers
Non-stick rolling pins
Lollipop molds
Corkscrews
Never-Stick-Stainless Steel
Stockpots
Roasters
Non-stick gingerbread molds
Pizza pans
Tortilla presses
=
From "Canary in a Coal Mine." e-Animal Health
http://www.e-animalhealth.com/BirdsCanary.htm
"Fumes that are harmless to us can kill birds within seconds. Some
families have lost pets to hidden Teflon in space heaters and other
appliances. Teflon fumes are absolutely deadly to birds. Deaths occur
frequently because people keep nonstick cookware in their homes
figuring they will never overheat it. Humans make mistakes and forget
pans on the stove, so it is best to get rid of nonstick cookware.
Other hazards include scented aerosol sprays and other spray
chemicals, essential oils, scented candles, and anything using pine
scenting. There are alternatives for many bug sprays. Be sure to check
out our Net Links to sites with other toxin alerts and bird care and
safety guidelines."
=
From the Health Warnings Website:
http://www.birdsandmore.com/healthWarnings.html
KUDOS TO THE MEYER CORPORATION - A huge HURRAY! to the Meyer
Corporation the makers of Circulon Cookware. They are the first
manufacturers of non-stick cookware that we've come across to put a
warning about non-stick pans in with their product on their "Designed
For Easy Use & Care card-point #2:
"Non-stick pans, when left to boil dry or placed under a broiler, will
release fumes fatal to birds."
"The Meyer Corporation has done what many other companies have failed
to do...inform the public about the potential hazards to animals from
their products! This deserves a word of praise!"
Also read:
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"Teflon Toxicosis is Deadly to Pet Birds. Are We at Risk?" Executive
Summary. EWG Aug03
http://www.mindfully.org/Plastic/Teflon/Canary-Teflon-ToxicosisAug03.htm
"PROTECTING OUR BIRDS FROM TOXIC FUMES," by Margaret T. Wright.
http://www.birdsandmore.com/healthWarnings.html
====
I hope the information I have provided helps to answer your
questions. If you need further clarification, please do not hesitate
to ask. I will be happy to help if I can!
Sincerely,
umiat-ga
Google Search Strategy
aluminum cookware and alzheimer's
dangers of teflon to humans
canary deaths from teflon fumes
PubMed search for "aluminum and alzheimers" |
