The Seattle Times - SINCE WHEN DID having a kitchen require a degree in health and safety? Just when I figured out how to avoid mad-cow beef and high-mercury fish, now I'm weighing the potential health risks of my pots and pans. Because of reports that overheated Teflon pans may release toxic gases and the possible association between aluminum and Alzheimer's disease, I am cleaning out my kitchen. It's a fine line between being a smart, health-conscious consumer and being downright paranoid.