If you already own nonstick pans, cook with them only on low heat and, when it's time to replace them, avoid Teflon dangers with stainless steel or cast iron cookware.

Not so hot: nonstick pans that heat up can release unhealthy chemicals into your air.

WHAT IT MEANS: The thyroid gland is like your body's control center, regulating everything from heart rate to body temperature and supporting reproduction, mental health, digestion, and metabolism. PFOA is listed as a likely carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and persists in the environment, and in your body, indefinitely. There are no current restrictions on the use of PFOA in consumer products. The chemical is used to repel heat, water, grease, and stains, and is used extensively in cookware and in flame-resistant and waterproof clothing.

PFOA is released when fast-food wrappers and stain-resistant carpets, fabrics, and paints break down. Chemical manufacturer DuPont uses PFOA in nonstick Teflon, but says the chemical is not present in the finished product. However, even studies done by DuPont have found that Teflon and similar nonstick services emit six toxic gases under high heat. Environmental Working Group's testing found has found that some nonstick surfaces break down under just medium heat (325 degrees). These heated nonstick surface fumes have been known for years to kill pet birds, according to the ASPCA. Perhaps you're familiar with the expression, "canary in a coal mine?"

Here's how to your reduce exposure to PFOA:

• Phase out nonstick. To create a more ecofriendly kitchen, one of the top things you can do is phase out Teflon and other nonstick cookware, and replace it with cast iron or stainless steel. If you do have nonstick that isn't scratched, you can still use it until it's time to replace it, just cook with it using low heat. Once you're ready for new cookware, choose a ceramic or other nonchemical nonstick surface for those times when you just can't cook without a nonstick pan.

• Avoid the fast-food lane. Need another reason to avoid unhealthy fast food? A Canadian study found that people's greatest exposure to PFOA is from greasy fast-food wrappers. In fact, egg breakfast sandwiches boasted the highest levels. Pizza boxes have also been shown to have a chemical nonstick coating, so cutting back on take-out pizza may help you avoid PFOA.

• Choose natural materials without stain-guard claims. Favor hardwood floors over carpeting coated with stain-repelling chemicals. When you're looking for furniture, opt for natural materials without a stain-repellent finish.

• Make old-school popcorn. Microwave-popcorn bags are often coated with nonstick chemicals. To save money and avoid exposure to nasty chemicals, microwave ordinary popcorn kernels in plain paper bags for pennies a serving.