GP issues avoidable toxic air fryer warning that can be seriously harmful to your health
A doctor has taken to TikTok to issue an air fryer waring to millions of households that regularly use them instead of a conventional oven.
The last half a decade has seen air fryers arrive and fully take over, with a small one available for less than £30 if you look in the right place.
They've become that popular that they've made it on to their own sub-genre of cooking shows, with none other than Jamie Oliver launching a new air fryer programme dubbed Jamie's Air Fryer Meals over on Channel 4.
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But like with any electrical or cooking gadget, there's a couple of risks that come with the device.
Money Saving Expert founder Martin Lewis has issued his own warning when it comes to air fryers.
And yep, it's concerning the cash side of things given most people turn to using them, in part, due to the lower amount of electricity needed to run them. In a cost of living crisis lasting years, it's been an essential move.
The BBC is also here with its own advice to stop things from turning sour, focusing on what foods you shouldn't cook in the air fryer.
Meanwhile, dietitian Brenda Peralta has also issued a warning over particular foods in the device - this time bacon.
Well the warnings don't stop there with the device.
Over on TikTok, Dr Karan Rajan has spoken out on the devices to his 5.3 million followers.
His first message is to not worry that much. As with any device as long as you're using them correctly, you are likely to be fine.
But it's when don't realise they might be making an error and opening themselves up to harm that dangers can spring up.
In particular, Dr Rajan focused on something that you might have seen described as 'forever chemicals'. An air fryer is like a non-stick pan in this aspect; covered in the chemicals known as polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
They are found all around us including in our drinking water and even carpets.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer says the chemicals may be linked to some formers of cancer. That includes breast, ovarian, pancreatic, endometrial and throat.
Dr Karan said: "The biggest worry from fear mongers centres around the non-stick materials used, also known as forever chemicals.
"Forever chemicals have the name because they don't break down in the environment or in our bodies. Also known as PFAS, they are resistant to water, grease, and heat and are found in a range of everyday products including food packaging, clothing, cosmetics, and toilet paper.
"Fun fact, every time you sit down to eat microplastics fall from the air and land in your food, or are already part of your food. This is only really an issue if the air fryer is damaged. As long as you don't plan on eating the lining of your air fryer you will be fine."
The message here then is about trying to make sure you keep scratching on the non-stick surfaces to a bare minimum so as not to scrape off very much of this forever chemical.
One easy way to not do this is to avoid putting trays in the dish washer (if they're even compatible as not every model is). Instead, hand wash with a soft sponge and avoid the harsh, scrubbing side of any sponge.
Topics: Food And Drink, Hacks, Health, Technology, UK News, Cancer
Tom Earnshaw