Observed microfine white colored Teflon lubricating powder on the hammer shank knuckles. Removed powder as it is highly suspect being a cancer causing agent as it gets airborne.

Nope. That's a new one for me. Not only do I coat knuckles with Teflon powder, before they receive it, they get sprayed with TFL-50.

That's just crazy.
It is the PFOA used in the manufacture of Teflon that is a problem for workers and Teflon can break down and produce toxic compounds in high heat.
(Teflon itself is extremely toxic to birds and bird owners should rid their house of Teflon cooking pans).
But powdered Teflon on parts is not going to harm anyone.
Even if Teflon itself was proven to be a problem it is going to be because of inhalation.
If the powder is on the piano's knuckles then it should stay there and only by making it airborne could it possibly cause any problem.
This is often the suggested remedy for Asbestos in many cases. If asbestos (which is known to be HIGHLY dangerous) is left alone it will not cause a problem. It is only when one starts removing it or disturbing it that it can cause problems since it can then be inhaled.
The tech that removed it is either extremely paranoid for no reason or he was looking for something to bill the client for.

At times some older knuckles tend to get soft and mushy as the buckskin stretches. The wire brush seems to make these types of knuckles worse. What this paste does is makes the buckskin shrink slightly and that hardens up the knuckle a bit making for a more positive let-off sequence with the jack. I found this out by trying it on an old set of knuckles that were giving problems.

Not familiar with that one. I expect it is a aerosol spray lube of some sort?

Teflon is absolutely non toxic, It’s the most inert polymer on earth. It can, however, be an irritant in your lungs or eyes. It decomposes above 400C (750F).

(Teflon itself is extremely toxic to birds and bird owners should rid their house of Teflon cooking pans).

I use it a fair amount in my work, and have no worries about it. From what I have heard, teflon itself is inert, it is the manufacturing process that can cause cancer if one is exposed. I may stand corrected, though. I have used it for over 15 years with no ill effects. When used in reasonable quantities (i.e. not too much) it does wonders for knuckle lubrication and reduction of excess friction.

I have used Teflon for many years as described, on knuckles to help a squeak or 2, on trapwork to ease pedal operations, and on key pins when installing new key bushings, all AS NEEDED. I bought a pound of it 10 years ago and have almost all of it. Very little is needed to do what I like to do with it. I essentially have a lifetime supply.

As for its toxicity, I believe you have received significant answers and opinions from the pianotech list. I do monitor that list also. The person that said the 'burden of proof lies with the accuser' is a perfect example of a recent situation I had with the opinion of another tech:

I came to a piano with a very heavy and not very responsive action. The client said the previous tech could do no better than what was there, and parts would have to be replaced. I demonstrated, with one key, how a few adjustments to the action will make the whole instrument play much better. No Teflon was needed, by the way! The client was very happy and had me make that improvement to the rest of the piano. The "burden of proof" was in my court, just as the burden is with this other technician.

I have attached a MSDS of Teflon for your information. As for my personal safety, I do wear gloves when I handle Teflon, but as you can see from the MSDS, it is pretty non-toxic unless you heat it up to 300 degrees F. I have no reason to do that.

I hope this answers your question. Please feel free to ask if you have any more.

Thank you,

We've been selling our products throughout Canada for the past 25 years.

Since 5 years, we are selling a product under the name of Teflon powder to lubricate pieces in
a piano action (grand knuckles).

As far as we know, under normal circumstances, that product can be used without reservation, as
it has been used by piano technicians in Canada and United States

Here are links to some articles about PTFE (Teflon) health risks or lack thereof. As you will read, the concern seems to be over the possible dangers of a chemical that is used in making Teflon (and other products), which is not present in Teflon itself:

This is what concerns me about teflon powder. Once it lodges in your lungs it will stay there indefinitely rather than decompose and expel unless it is possible to migrate out. There may be a cumulative build up in the lungs during a lifetime of inhaling tiny amounts every so often. Now, potential residual Perfluorooctanoic acid is a worry also.

As piano technicians we are too close for comfort in my opinion and as such I have spoken at meetings of the local chapter of the Piano Technicians Guild.

I have spoken about the Teflon powder several times over the years. The last time was when Steven Brady, the author of a book on piano care (which I think is called 'Under the Lid' but I would have to look that up) came to speak to the Chapter.

I have spoken about the Teflon powder several times over the years. The last time was when Steven Brady, the author of a book on piano care (which I think is called 'Under the Lid' but I would have to look that up) came to speak to the Chapter.

Can any of the local technicians in this chapter confirm this?

I use microfine (9 micron) Teflon powder all the time and it's quite safe if used as recommended. I also use it in a paste a la VJ Lube in place of talc when I require something of that sort.

The technician who made the allegation about the dangers of Teflon is incorrect and is doing a disservice to customers, in my opinion. It poses no danger in the piano and is of very little danger to the technician. Techs are much more in danger by breathing in the dust when filing hammers and a mask should always be worn when doing so, but the use of Teflon powder is quite safe.

Hope that helps.

Regards...

Teflon (or its decomposition products) is only released from the cooking pans when they are overheated. And by the time it's actually released, it's bad not only for the birds, but for everyone in the house. So I don't quite get this statement...

I don't know why you don't "get" this statement. Someties some things are very toxic to some species but not affect other species.

There are several things that are deadly poisonous to birds that don't bother humans at all.
If your Teflon pan overheats your birds will die, usually within minutes it's that toxic to them.