PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene; Teflon®)

Abstract

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a fluoropolymer and is commonly known by its trade name, Teflon®. Unique properties of PTFE include non-reactivity, hydrophobicity, a low coefficient of friction, and good insulating properties. Its uses include: non-stick coating for cookware; in the manufacture of semiconductors and medical devices; as coatings for bulk chemical containers, eyeglasses and shaver blades; and as an inert ingredient of pesticides. PTFE is among the most chemically-inert, nontoxic, and nonflammable substances tested under normal usage conditions, and is not metabolized. The major safety concern is workplace exposure to pyrolysis products which may be irritants and can also produce influenza-like symptoms (also known as “polymer-fume fever”). No toxicologically-significant effects were observed in repeat-dose mouse and rat studies. PTFE is not an ocular or dermal irritant nor genotoxic or immunotoxic. Localized fibrosarcomas have been reported with subcutaneous injection of PTFE sheets or discs in mice and rats. However the International Agency for Research on Cancer has concluded that insufficient data exists to assess the carcinogenic risk of human exposure to PTFE. There are no known ecotoxicological effects of PTFE.