Originally posted by Siaf__csf
Same applied to asbestos. It was used everywhere, very few knew it was there (such as regular building cement.)
Asbestos is only dangerous when in particulate form in the air, and for long durations of exposure. (i.e. the poor bastards who applied the stuff) The same is true of coal dust, quartz, and common flour. Working in a building that is insulated by asbestos is normally safe.
As for the teflon pans,
"PFOA is used in the manufacture of Teflon coatings on pans." This is not saying "PFOA IS IN YOUR TEFLON PANS! OMG YOU"RE GUNNA DIE OF CANCER!" This is saying that the people involved in the factories making this stuff, and those in the nearby potentially contaminated areas are at risk. Not Joe-nonstick cookware-Schmoe.
A lot of VERY hazardous chemicals are used in the production of almost everything you have in your home.