Products Like Teflon: Chlorofluorocarbons

In the previous post, CFCs were mentioned as the chemicals that had similar negative impacts on the ozone layer as carbon tetraflourides. Nevertheless, it had not been fully explained how CFCs behave. Besides, as aforementioned, having a relatively long life span of 20-100 years, CFCs are similar to Teflon in that it was a chemical that was produced during the 1930's that was almost ubiquitously used, without tangible replacements.
CFCs, to be exact, were first developed in the late 20s and early 30s as alternatives to the dangerous substances used then used as coolants in refrigeration systems and air conditioners. However, after decades of application, it had finally been determined in 1984 that CFCs had a direct impact on the depletion of the ozone layer. Even now, due to their chemical properties that allow them to react with ozone hundreds of times before finally being scavenged by other chemicals, CFCs continue to damage the ozone layer. To prevent the ubiquitous usage of a substance of a potential threat to the ozone layer, the replacements to CFCs are now required to be tested for ozone depletion potential. Whatever the case may be with the replacements or the remnants of CFCs in their threat to the ozone, it is unfortunate that, much like the Teflon-like PFOS, CFCs were not fully tested—or their harmful properties not realized—for their ultimate damages. The unfortunate fact that these products were not fully tested, as well as the fact that there were no viable replacements for these widely used substances, has now led to the progeny of the people who developed those substances to eliminate those substances’ waste-like and eventually inimical remnants. If Teflon were to be found to behave in ways that could be a threat, as do CFCs and PFOS, it should be phased out as soon as possible so that we do not leave our children with the burden of having to clean up the threats of the persistent Teflon.

Carbon Tetraflouride and its Interactions with Ozone

Carbon tetrafluoride is a byproduct of overheating Teflon beyond a temperature of 1202 degrees Fahrenheit. The substance has a molecular weight of 88 grams per mol. Carbon tetrafluoride is a stable, non-flammable, colorless gas.

Carbon tetraflouride interacts with the ozone layer in a similar fashion with a CFC. The process of ozone depletion starts by carbon tetrafluoride floating up into the ozone layer. When it arrives, the molecule is struck by UV light, seperating a fluorine atom from the carbon tetrafluoride. This fluorine atom collides with an ozone atom in the ozone layer, making a molecule of oxygen and fluorine monoxide.

When a singlet oxygen atom collides with fluorine monoxide, the oxygen replaces the fluorine atom to create a molecule of oxygen and a lone fluorine atom. This starts the process again, causing the deterioration of the ozone layer by turning it into oxygen. Measures have been taken to reduce the amount of CFC emission, but since CFCs have a life span of 20-100 years, previously emitted CFCs will do damage for years to come.

Teflon and Car Engines

Cars and trucks all experience a great amount of wear and tear on their parts. However, the most damage appears when an engine cold-starts. This is due to the lack of oil flowing through the engine at the time, which forces the engine parts to work under more friction, and therefore causing more wear and tear.

A new brand of oil called Techrobond is being researched into and may be the solution of the cold-start problem, using a catalyst. The catalyst temporarily bonds with the Teflon, then attaches it to the metal surface. Once the Teflon-metal bond is made, the catalyst detaches and moves on to form another temporary bond with more Teflon, then helps fuse the Teflon with another bit of metal. This bond between metal and teflon is presumed to be permanent, and the outer teflon coating reduces the amount of friction between the metal parts, therefore protecting the metal parts. Even if the nanoscopic coating cannot be seen, it is still enough to reduce the friction and when it eventually wears off, the catalyst acts to bind exposed metal pieces with teflon. This improves the life of the engine and cuts costs of maintaining it.

The Price of Teflon

Teflon is used for many different purposes, and the price range is huge. Here are some examples of the price of teflon (the prices are the lowest being sold by a commercial retailer):

A .125 x 12 x 12 sheet of regular Teflon: $29.26
A 16 oz bottle of Teflon Car Wash from Dupont: $5.99
A 9.5 inch, Teflon-coated Stir Fry Pan: $19.99
A 22 inch windshield wiper blade coated with Teflon: $14.99
A hair curler with 3/4 inch barrel, coated with Teflon: $8.99
A 32 oz bottle of Teflon wheel cleaner: $7.99
A Teflon-coated Apron: $7.98
A Teflon-Coated "Franz Bittner Loden Crush Hat (For Men)": $34.95

These are some of the general uses of Teflon. Many people use these products, or products similar to these. Some make sense, such as the Teflon-coated Apron. Others, like the Teflon-coated hair curler, seem as though they are a waste of both and Teflon. Either way, this provides a rough idea of what the prices of Teflon proudcts are today.

Applying Nonstick Coating without the Heat

Yet, another alternative to Teflon is the water-soluble, soap-like nonstick chemical developed by Donald Schmidt. According to an article from New Science Archive, this material, because of its soap-like quality in having both reactive ionic and fluoroalkyl groups, is water soluble. Moreover, once this water-soluble substance attaches itself to the surface, a second substance could be used to the now-dried first to create a nonstick surface. Unlike Teflon or other PFC’s, this material does not require excessive heat to create a nonstick coating. In addition, when applied to car bumpers, this material effectively “shed insects, soil and road tar dramatically better than conventional automobile paints”. Although Teflon cookware could very rarely pose direct threat to human health, if one is concerned about the imminent dangers of cooking Teflon-coated cookware around 464 to 1202 degrees Fahrenheit on a regular basis, this material developed by Dr. Schmidt could be an alternative, since unlike Teflon, this material needs no heat to be applied and thus does not pose threats when heated to high temperatures.

Temperatures and Chemicals

Cookware with non-stick coatings such as Teflon have been known to relase chemicals into the air at high temperatures. This statement, however, is very vague. According to one website, many different chemicals can be released into the air at various temperatures.

At 464 degress fahrenheit, small particulate matter is dispersed. These toxic particles can cause symptoms within ten minutes of achieving this temperature.

At 680 degress fahrenheit, several chemicals are exposed. Tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoroproprene, trifluoroacetic acid, difluoroacetic acid, monofluoroacetic acid, and perfluorooctanoic acid are formed. These chemicals are harmful to many of the body's organs, as well as the environment.

At 878 degrees fahrenheit, silicon tetrafluoride is released. It is highly toxic and mainly affects the lungs.

At 887 degrees, perfluoroisobutene is formed and can cause respiratory problems.

At 932 degrees, carbonyl fluoride and hydrogen fluoride are formed and can seriously damage the respiratory system, as well as any other cells in contact with the chemical.

At 1112 degrees, octafluorocyclobutane is formed. This chemical can cause heart problems. Additionally, perfluorobutane is formed. This chemical has over 8000 times the global warming potential as carbon dioxide.

Lastly, at 1202 degrees fahrenheit, carbon tetrafluoride is released. This chemical has 6000 times the global warming potential as carbon dioxide and can remain in the environment for over 50000 years.

There is one catch, however. When was the last time you cooked something over 464 degrees fahrenheit, let alone 1202 degrees? This just goes to show that some people exaggerate the possible effects of non-stick cookware.

Alternatives to Teflon

For those who are worried about the effects of teflon when heated to extremely high temperatures, which would most likely leave the food inedible, there are several alternatives of non-stick surfaces other than teflon.

Stainless steel is claimed to be better pan material than teflon and other non-stick chemicals. It is also said to be able to brown foods better, mainly due to the direct touching of the food and the metal surface, which a teflon-coated pan cannot give. In Cooks Illustrated, in their 2001 review of saute pans, it chose a stainless steel pan over an otherwise identical non-stick pan models.

Another alternative to teflon would be cast-iron pans. Lodge, America’s oldest family-owned cookware manufacturer, claims that they have a natural non-stick surface. However, this non-stick surface is gained through multiple "seasonings", where a thin layer of oil is added to the cast-iron pan and allowed to seep into the pan. Over time, the pan gets less sticky as more seasoning are applied overtime, giving the pan a sleek black look. However, these pans actually require oil in order for it to be non-stick, therefore adding to the fat content of the food. Another point to make is that the pan must have this non-stick coating applied over again, when with teflon, there is no need for reapplication.

Cast-iron pans and stainless steel pans are two of the more known alternatives to use instead of teflon-coated pans.