The New York Times has a new article out about Teflon pans and perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, the chemical used in them and other items. The article "Is There an Extra Ingredient in Nonstick Pans?" by Marian Burros gives a good overview of the safety issues, and the current legal inquiries into the chemical's use.

If you have pet birds, you probably already know that you shouldn't be using non-stick pans, since an overheated, empty pan can release dangerous fumes. DuPont says that only happens at 600 degrees, but the Environmental Working Group says 325 degrees, or a medium flame. That isn't very high. I've heard anecdotal evidence that barely-warm pans have killed birds, and that incredibly hot pans don't kill birds. Still, it's safer to stay away from it.

What was new to me are fluorotelomers, chemicals used in food packaging as well as in rugs and clothing. These break down into PFOA in the environment and when ingested. Current studies want to describe PFOA as either a likely human carcinogen, or as a suggestive human carcinogen. Fluorotelomers are used in microwaveable popcorn bags, in packaging for fast foods like sandwiches, chicken and French fries, as well as in packaging for pizza, bakery items, drinks and candy. They are also found in paper plates.

Although there is currently no way for consumers to tell if packaging contains fluorotelomers, it seems to me if you have birds you ought to at least stay away from microwaveable popcorn bags. These chemicals and heat are a bad combination. Try putting regular popcorn into a regular paper lunchbag instead. Alton Brown does it, check out his Plain Brown Popper recipe.