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Privacy NoticeAir fryers became a kitchen staple during the pandemic due to their simplicity, easy clean-up and health benefits compared to traditional cooking methods like frying in oil. However, one doctor has shed light on a potential downside to air-fried meals. Dr Kelly Johnson-Arbor, a medical toxicologist and writer for Poison, explained that while the air-frying equipment itself is not problematic, the process of air-frying food creates compounds such as acrylamide. These compounds have been associated with cancer development, with acrylamide specifically being classified as a probable human carcinogen – a substance capable of causing cancer. Acrylamide forms when foods are heated over 120 degrees Celsius or 250 degrees Fahrenheit, as a series of chemical reactions involving the sugars and amino acids in food result in acrylamide. As a result, foods high in carbohydrates like potato chips, French fries and baked goods create the highest levels of acrylamide, according to the expert.
Dr Kelly Johnson-Arbor, a medical toxicologist spoke out about the potential health concerns around air fryers
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Conversely, fish, meat and vegetables produce smaller amounts of acrylamide. The compound is also created during other cooking processes like baking and toasting. Acrylamide is a versatile substance used in various industries, from manufacturing plastics to being a thickening agent in cosmetics, and it’s even found in cigarette smoke. An expert has highlighted that low-level workplace exposure can lead to difficulty walking, muscle weakness, numbness in the hands and feet, and skin rashes, reports the Liverpool Echo. When it comes to consuming acrylamide in food, the safe amount is not yet known, and there’s no clear link between dietary acrylamide intake and cancer, according to Dr Johnson-Arbor. She stated: “Acrylamide is considered a probable human carcinogen based on the results of studies in laboratory animals. However, there is no conclusive evidence linking dietary acrylamide consumption to cancer in humans. Another expert, Dr Karan Rajan, shared on TikTok that, on the whole, air fryers are okay to use – as long as you’re using them correctly. Like non-stick pans, air fryers are covered in polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), otherwise known as ‘forever chemicals’, he explained. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the chemicals may be linked to some cancers, including endometrial, ovarian, pancreatic, breast, and throat. Dr Karan reassured TikTok users that air fryers are generally safe to use if used correctly. He explained that like non-stick pans, air fryers are coated with polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as ‘forever chemicals’. The International Agency for Research on Cancer suggests these chemicals may be linked to certain cancers, including endometrial, ovarian, pancreatic, breast, and throat. Dr Karan added: “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.” It’s recommended to minimise any damage or scratching to the non-stick coating of your fryer to prevent chemicals from getting into your food.Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnIn the NewsHealth
