Non-Stick Chemicals Linked to High Cholesterol in Kids

The chemicals contained in non-stick cookware and waterproof fabrics may be linked to elevated levels of cholesterol in children and teenagers, new research shows.

The chemicals, called perfluoroalkyl acids, are found in drinking water, household dust, food packaging, breast milk and a whole host of other sources. They are used in the creation of substances called fluoropolymers, marketed under brand names such as Teflon, which make cooking utensils non-stick and allow clothing to remain stain free.