How do we know Teflon (PTFE) IS SAFE!?

[CR33G3R]

This site says PTFE is safe, but how do we know? What we do know is that there are certain chemicals in the production of teflon that are not safe. We also know that there are questions regarding teflon cookware. While teflon cookware is not pipe tape pipe tape is PTFE. The reason I ask is because recently a new member posted a pic of his still using a silcone and a few people ask if it was safe. (I can't remember who the post was by) It was stated that he thought it was safe and members ask him to prove it. In my research it seems that it would be safe given that it chemically inert and resistant to high temps and more importantly is designed to be used with food,and occurs naturally in sand and lime stone ie silica. PTFE is totally stnthetic. Now this isn't intended to be a silcone vs PTFE post but when someone uses something here other than PTFE it is always shunned. Now keep in mind that I use a PTFE gasket on my still but the question is Is It Safe? Prove It.

[Washashore]

http://www.vp-scientific.com/Chemical_R ... _Chart.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[Gilbilly]

Type the acronym PTFE in the forums search tab. It has been discussed a few times. I gonna start reading right now. I'm interested as well.

[Washashore]

Oops, just noticed that list didn't have "ethanol" on it. Here we go: http://www.coleparmer.com/Chemical-Resistance" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[CR33G3R]

It does seem to be proven to be ok hopefully this post will serve as a point of reference for someone in the future

[RonH3154]

http://www2.emersonprocess.com/siteadmi ... 1-6018.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[Durace11]

Somewhere in the forums here member "The Chemist" who works as a chemist in the beverage industry(or did) did a test where he boiled PTFE tape in 95% alcohol solution then put it under a mass spectrometer or something and posted his results, which were negative. But, all in all, everyone has a personal choice to make about their own safety. All I have to say is, if you are using questionable materials please don't feed it to your friends until they know and understand the risk you are putting in front of them. Be informed, do the research yourself before you decide what you think is safe. Don't use anything questionable.

I bet if the romans could take back all those lead decanters they used for wine they would go to all glass in a heartbeat.