Hi Norbert: I’ve been trying to do a bit of research quickly on the internet about the toxicity of Teflon. The only thing that I can find so far is, ‘There is one known health hazard associated with Teflon, inhalation of fumes produced during degradation of the coating. Temporary flue-like symptoms (known as polymer fume fever) can occur when the fumes from overheated fluoropolymers are inhaled. Typically the fluoropolymer coating would have to be heated to an excess of 500°F to begin to deteriorate. Fumes are not typically given off until the fluoropolymer significantly decomposes (660°F). Fats, butter, and cooking oil tend to scorch and smoke at only 400°F. When used properly Teflon® non-stick products are safe. DuPont states “Teflon® cookware is formulated and quality tested to resist peeling or chipping, which will only occur if cookware is misused. However, in the event that particles from Teflon® cookware are accidentally eaten, there is no danger. These particles are non-toxic. If eaten, they pass directly through the body and are not absorbed. The FDA has stated that eating Teflon® particles does not pose a health hazard”. http://www.plastechcoatings.com/teflon_misconceptions.html As you can see from above, Dupont claims that the particles are non-toxic, and would pass through the body unabsorbed if eaten. They are, of course, an interested party. Still, unless your piano catches on fire and you choose to remain in the house while it is burning, there seems to be little risk that your action will function like cookware and poison you. (I’d still keep the hot dogs off the hammers anyway). It also seems quite unlikely that the Teflon will become airborne and migrate from the knuckles to your customers lungs. Nor is it likely that the players skin will come directly in contact with the Teflon. In that context, it is fair to conclude that the risk to your customer is all but non-existent. The burden of proof seems to be with the other technician to show HOW the Teflon in your action could bring harm. Now, the Teflon in the Steinway piano is another matter. But that turned out to be poisonous to the playing, but not the player. Will Truitt From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Ryan Sowers Sent: Friday, March 30, 2012 12:08 PM To: excelpianos at telus.net; pianotech at ptg.org Subject: Re: [pianotech] teflon Hi Norbert, - I'm not aware of many instances where the PTG takes an official stand on things like this. I can say that ex president of PTG, Fern Henry's husband Bill Spurlock (author of the PACE technical program) has sold Teflon powder to technicians for around 20 years. - There are a number of spray products that contain Teflon, then there are the Teflon powders. I have found the powder to be a fairly benign product to use on the piano. I use it sparingly on keybeds and hammer knuckles. - I don't use the sprays much these days, because most of the time I'm in people's homes and the fumes are a problem. The problem I see with sprays, is they tend to go places where you didn't intend. That being said, I have had good success in the past using McLube dry Teflon spray on keypins and keyframes. - On the other hand... - The manufacturing of Teflon is another story. And the reality is many of the chemicals ultimately end up in our blood streams. Perhaps this is the angle that has the person in question concerned about the product. http://eartheasy.com/article_teflon_toxicity.htm - How many "wonder products" of the past have turned out to be a very bad idea? The reality is there are many tens of thousands of chemicals circulating around our environment that didn't exist 50 years ago. To think we understand all the consequences and interactions that take place is seriously naive. It's all a big experiment. - Ryan Sowers - On Sat, Mar 31, 2012 at 8:32 AM, Heritage Pianos <excelpianos at telus.net> wrote: Hi there: Wondering if there is an offical position by the PTG wether the use of teflon as lubricant in piano actions is considered a safe substance A local technician has recently made claims to the contrary and warned other members of the local PTG to use Teflon. Thank you very much Norbert Marten -- Ryan Sowers, RPT Puget Sound Chapter Olympia, WA www.pianova.net -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <https://www.moypiano.com/ptg/pianotech.php/attachments/20120330/e9f05094/attachment-0001.htm>
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