Your non-stick pan in the kitchen could be poisoning you

Nonstick cookware can release an invisible fume when overheated, causing what is popularly known as "Teflon flu," or polymer fume fever, with symptoms including high fever, chills, cough and severe muscle aches appearing four to eight hours after inhalation. The warning applies to pans and pots used at excessive temperatures, a common kitchen mistake that can turn everyday cooking equipment into a health risk. The condition is typically short-lived but can be alarming, and the takeaway for households is to avoid overheating nonstick surfaces and to ventilate kitchens during cooking.