Teflon toxicity affects all bird species

Non-stick cookware can be very hazardous for bird species—but many bird parents are unaware of the dangers.

Non-stick cookware is often coated with a chemical called polytetrafluoroethlyene (PTFE), of which the most well-known brand is Teflon. According to Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 animal poison control center, "Teflon toxicity" is one of the most common airborne toxins in pet birds, and occurs when Teflon-coated products overheat.

Other household products frequently coated with PTFE include drip pans, heat lamp covers, irons and ironing board covers.

Why are nonstick pans dangerous to birds?

PTFE toxicity occurs when the nonstick cookware or other coated product is excessively overheated, meaning temperatures reach or exceed 530° F (280° Celsius). A common scenario is a pot or pan "running dry" on top of high heat.

At these temperatures, PTFE is degraded and microscopic airborne particulates are released, which are toxic when inhaled.

Birds are particularly sensitive to airborne particulate and gas emission—even in small dosages—due to their high metabolic rate and unique anatomy. However, in cases of household exposure, these same gases can also cause harm to people and other animals as well.

Do you have toxic cookware in your home?

Your cookware does not have to be the specific Teflon brand to cause PTFE toxicity—most nonstick pans containing polytetrafluoroethlyene are toxic to birds.

Types of nonstick cookware include but are not limited to:

• Bakeware such as cookie sheets, cupcake pans, cake pans, bread pans and Bundt cake molds
• Quart pots
• Frying pans
• Roasting pans
• Egg poaching pans
• Nonstick-coated appliances: ovens, grill plates, electric pans and space heaters
• Stovetop drip pans

Symptoms of Teflon toxicity in birds

PTFE toxicity in birds is devastating and acts quickly.

Symptoms of PTFE toxicity include severe respiratory distress—open-mouthed breathing, tail bobbing and raspy breathing, coma and birds dropping off their perches. PTFE toxicity is typically fatal, rarely offering owners the time to have their birds examined or treated for the poisoning.

All types of birds can be affected by PTFE toxicity. Smaller birds suffer even faster due to their size—less gas is required to register the poisonous effect.

What to do if you suspect your bird has been poisoned

If your bird is showing signs of respiratory distress and you suspect Teflon poisoning is a possibility, act quickly.

• Immediately remove the questionable cookware from the house and turn off the heat source
• Open all the windows in your house
• Turn on ceiling fans, floor fans, exhaust fans and even an attic fan
• Call your veterinary clinic immediately to let them know you're on your way with a bird suffering from Teflon poisoning

If your bird survives the initial exposure to PTFE, your veterinarian may place the bird in an oxygen cage and administer antibiotics and diuretics to relieve the excess fluid in the bird's lungs.

Prevent Teflon toxicity in your home

The best course of action to ensure your bird's health is prevention. Removing all nonstick-coated cookware and other products will eliminate the threat.

If removal of all nonstick cookware is not possible, take caution when cooking with or using PTFE-coated products:

• Don't leave your cookware unattended on the stove—overheating the nonstick kitchenware is the main culprit
• Throw out any nonstick coated pots and pans when they begin to show signs of wear and tear or damage
• Move your bird's cage out of the kitchen to a less exposed area

Discuss PTFE toxicity with your veterinarian to ensure your bird has a safe, healthy environment that both of you can be comfortable with.