VET Q&A; : Fatal Fumes

Q: I have an aviary, and have been told that cooking fumes may be hazardous to my birds. Is there any truth to this?--D.K.

A: Yes. Toxic fumes are released when polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is heated in excess of 536 degrees Fahrenheit. (More commonly known by trade names such as Teflon or Silverstone, PTFE is a non-stick coating used on pots and pans.) Birds are very sensitive to these fumes, which cause body fluids and blood to collect in their lungs. Birds may start to exhibit breathing difficulties such as gasping within 30 seconds, and may die within three minutes. Canaries and finches seem to be most sensitive; mynas and budgerigars are less sensitive; and medium-size parrots are even less sensitive. Large parrots are the least sensitive of all. People and other mammals, although less sensitive to the fumes, may develop polymer-fume fever. The symptoms are similar to those of flu: a tight chest, shivering, sore throat, fever and weakness.

It is more dangerous to cook substances that evaporate. When foods burn they usually release smoke, but when a pot or pan boils dry there’s very little to attract attention to the hazard. If you accidentally overheat a PTFE-coated pan, remove people, animals and birds from the area until the premises are well aired.