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Ever heard of a miner's canary?

Before we had all these tech gadgets to measure toxins, coal miners took a bird in a cage with them to work.

If the canary stopped singing (meaning it died), the miners knew they'd be next if they didn't get out fast. Usually it meant that there was too much carbon monoxide or methane gas.

Canaries are no longer used in mines, but they are kept as pets, and if you keep yours in the kitchen while cooking with a nonstick pan, it might die.

Really? Yes, really. If you don't believe me, read Teflon's official statement.

So what gives?

Nonstick pans are made with perfluorinated chemicals (PFOAs). When heated to 680 degrees F, toxic gases begin releasing, and at 1,000 degrees F (not as common, but it can happen), the nonstick turns into PFIB, which is a warfare chemical.

Aside from nonstick pans, what else has PFOAs?

• Microwave popcorn bag
• Stain repellent sprays 
• Waterproof sprays
• Fire retardant sprays
• Greasy food packaging

It's not totally clear how PFOAs affect humans, but a 10-year study of 3,966 people suggests that people with high levels of PFOAs in their systems are 2 times more prone to thyroid disease.

And in all likelihood, many more disease connections will be made in the future.

Long story short, if you're in a mine and the bird stops singing – run! If you've got nonstick cookware (and I know you do), get rid of it. Don't give it away, throw it away.

Buy stainless steel or cast iron. I know, I know, you'll miss being able to fry an egg without adding any grease. But what's worse, a little oil or a warfare chemical?

Stay bendy,

Lucas

YOGABODY NATURALS

P.S. I travel a lot (and move a lot) so I know how difficult it is to buy cookware that is NOT nonstick. The high-end stuff, the cheap stuff, it's all made nonstick right now so you really do have to hunt.

But you CAN find it.

Just a word of caution, though. Don't get aluminum. It's cheap and light, but it's not appropriate or safe for cooking either.

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