Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I realize that I will be criticized for posting a review that is not for the actual product, but the material and manufacturing of the product. But as an engineer, I am stuck in “think about it” mode. The “non-stick” surface of the Power Pressure Cooker cooking insert is made of Teflon. Teflon, invented by DuPont in the 1930s, became as much a symbol of kitchen convenience as cling wrap and the food processor. But the use of Teflon SHOULD be coming to a sticky end - because the manufacturing process uses a chemical that potentially causes cancer, and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wants the use of this chemical phased out. The chemical - called perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA - is used to make compounds called fluoropolymers, which are used in turn to make Teflon and other products like oil and water-repellent coatings on carpet, textiles, leather and paper. It's known that PFOA is widespread in the blood of the general population (though in low concentrations), where it stays for up to 10 years before being eliminated. In laboratory animals, PFOA has been shown cause cancer, liver damage, growth defects, immune-system damage and death. There isn't direct evidence that it's harmful to humans. An EPA advisory board of 17 scientists unanimously recommended PFOA be labelled a 'likely carcinogen' (a carcinogen is a cancer-causing substance) in humans. So Maybe, the Power Pressure Cooker has a major price reduction because the company is trying desperately to get rid of a Teflon product. The stainless steel insert model is much more expensive. I was seriously considering purchasing this product before I came to Amazon.com and read a full description of the product. Which is a description that is not included in the TV ads. ALso note that the original manufacturer of this product does nto offer it any more. I realize that the use of Teflon may not be an issue for some, but the fact that it is used in this high pressure cooking system should be considered before purchase. Hope that helps.