"polytetrafluoroethylene", which is what we call Teflon. Teflon is just a trademark name applied for by DuPont.
Polytetrafluoroethylene that meets national standards is non-toxic under correct usage conditions. Polytetrafluoroethylene is stable and heat-resistant, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 300 degrees Celsius in a short period of time, and can be used for a long time below 260 degrees Celsius. Daily cooking cannot reach this temperature, and frying and stir frying are only around 250 degrees Celsius, so there is no need to worry. But never burn it empty, even for three minutes, the temperature will skyrocket, and under such extreme conditions, it is very likely to decompose toxic gases. For example, if there are water droplets on the inner wall of a pot that has just been washed, do not directly put it on the gas stove and wait for the water to dry. Instead, use kitchen paper towels to wipe it dry.
When we search for "non stick pan" on shopping apps, we don't often see "polytetrafluoroethylene" or "PTFE", but we often see "vermiculite, diamond, sapphire, titanium black non stick pan". Essentially, it is a mixture of ingredients such as vermiculite, titanium, and diamond in polytetrafluoroethylene, with the aim of reinforcing and making the surface coating and substrate more tightly bonded, making it less prone to damage. Compared to PTFE coated non stick pans, ceramic non stick pans have stronger stability, higher temperature resistance, and higher appearance, but their resistance to sticking and scratching is relatively poor.
Can it still be used after scratches?
The concept of 'as long as it doesn't leak, use it for a lifetime' doesn't really work in non stick pans. Of course, it's not because the coating is toxic. Polytetrafluoroethylene is still very stable, and even if a small amount of coating particles are accidentally ingested, they will generally be excreted without causing serious harm to our health.
However, once the coating has scratches, it loses its non stick and easy to clean properties. Stir frying and frying eggs become more prone to sticking to the pan, causing food to become sticky and producing more harmful fumes. So once the coating shows scratches or peeling, it is recommended to replace it in a timely manner. Non stick pans are consumables with a normal lifespan of 1-2 years, but they cannot be used for a lifetime.