Are Nonstick Pans Safe to Use?

Wondering, "should I stop using nonstick pans?" You might want to after reading this...especially if your pans are scratched!

Make meals that last forever on your Instagram feed, not in your body.

Prepare your meals without the use of nonstick pans. Nonstick pans may contain “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. These chemicals have been linked to various human health concerns, including hormone disruption, liver disease, immune dysfunction, and cancers [1]. Feel as good as the meals you make look. Find out what alternatives you can use to replace your nonstick cookware. 

What Are PFAS and Why Are They Used In Nonstick Pans?

PFAS, or Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a family of human-made chemicals that were manufactured in the 1940s to reduce friction and resist oil and water. This makes them useful in a variety of consumer products, such as waterproof textiles and nonstick cookware. 

PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the human body or the environment. As a result, they are widespread in the environment and measurable in the blood of 

almost every human in the United States [2].

Can PFAS in Nonstick Cookware Contaminate Food?

The most common way PFAS enters the body is through ingestion. Ingestion can happen through eating food or drinking water contaminated with PFAS. 

Nonstick cookware has a specific type of PFAS known as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). This chemical forms the coating that prevents food from sticking to the pan. 

When stable, PTFE is considered non-toxic. Heating items can cause the chemicals within them to lose their stability. 

PTFE begins to produce toxic fumes around 162℃ (323℉) [3]. The hotter the pan gets, the more fumes are released. That is why it is often advised to use nonstick cookware on lower heat settings and slow-cook food to avoid these chemicals being released. 

These chemicals are more likely to leach into your food if the pan becomes damaged. Any scratch or dent from utensils or washing the pan can cause this. Once the pan is damaged, chemicals like PTFE and similar substances can leach into your food and be ingested directly. [4]

Are Nonstick Pans Safe When Scratched?

Scratches can occur when using sharp or metal utensils with nonstick pans. Always use cooking utensils made of wood or platinum-grade/food-grade silicone when cooking with nonstick pans.

They can also happen when washing the pan. Scratches on nonstick pans tend to happen if other dishes touch them during the washing process. They can also occur if you use dish brushes with sharp bristles or steel wool to clean them. 

Once scratched, nonstick pans are no longer safe to use. They should be thrown away and replaced as soon as possible with a pan that does not contain PFAS. If you scratch a nonstick pan while cooking, it is best to avoid eating the food being cooked if possible.

Health Concerns Over PFAS in Nonstick Cookware

Health effects caused by PFAS can vary depending on whether you inhale or ingest these “forever” chemicals. Once inside the body, PFAS have long half-lives and are not easily excreted. They accumulate over time in various tissues. 

Once PFAS enter your bloodstream, they can potentially lead to health effects [4] [5] such as:

  • Increases in cholesterol levels
  • Prostate, kidney, and testicular cancer
  • Reproductive effects such as decreased fertility
  • Developmental effects or delays in children
  • Impact on liver function
  • Impact on immune function, including the body’s ability to fight infection
  • Interference with the body’s natural hormones

The US National Institutes of Health (NIH), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other organizations are actively studying the health effects of PFAS to better understand how they affect humans and the environment. Take time to read the news and stay informed about the latest PFAS science and regulations.[9

Is PFOA-free Safe to Use?

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is one type of PFAS that has been used for decades, along with PTFE. It is widely recognized as harmful, so it was phased out of production in the US, including in Teflon products. However, PFOA is just one of many PFAS chemicals. When a chemical is identified as dangerous, companies often find alternatives that are less well-known but similar, allowing them to claim their products are free of the dangerous chemical. However, this greenwashing practice, known as “regrettable substitution”, can result in replacement chemicals that are equally harmful. To ensure safety, look for products labeled as free of all perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), not just PFOA-free.

Does Teflon Have PFAS?

Teflon is a brand name for PTFE, a chemical in the PFAS family. PTFE was one of the first PFAS chemicals introduced to the market in 1946. 

The Teflon brand utilizes a range of "fluoropolymers." These chemicals have been introduced over the years to make their products nonstick, waterproof, and suitable for industrial use. 

Due to the known toxicity of PFOA, Teflon has discontinued its use in all products. However, Teflon continues to use PTFE and other fluorochemicals in their chemical formulations [6].

What to Use Instead of Nonstick Pans

Transitioning away from nonstick pans can be challenging due to their convenience and ease of use. However, it’s an extremely practical step for avoiding very harmful chemicals. Thankfully, there are safer alternatives available!

Safer Cookware Options

These alternatives last longer than traditional nonstick pans and are better for the environment due to their durability.

  • Stainless Steel: Although it lacks nonstick coatings, stainless steel is durable and has a lower environmental impact since it rarely needs replacement. Opt for high-quality stainless steel without nickel if possible. Preheating the pan before adding oil or food can reduce the likelihood that food will stick to the pan.
  • Cast Iron: Known for its durability, cast iron pans rarely need replacing but require proper care, such as seasoning and immediate drying after cleaning.
  • Carbon Steel: Similar to cast iron but with better nonstick qualities, carbon steel needs seasoning and should not be used for acidic foods to prevent metal leaching.
  • Ceramic: Ceramic cookware utilizes silicon-based coatings instead of traditional nonstick chemicals like PFAS or PTFE, making it a safer choice. The silicon-based coating creates a smooth, nonstick surface that reduces the risk of harmful substances leaching into food. For those preferring nonstick cookware, look for pans with ceramic coatings labeled as PTFE-free, as these coatings are less likely to contain harmful PFAS chemicals. However, it's crucial to avoid overheating these pans and to prevent scratches while cleaning or cooking with utensils [8]. 

Brands to Try: 

  • Alva Cookware offers stainless steel, cast iron, carbon steel, and ceramic cookware labeled as 100% PFAS free.
  • Caraway offers ceramic and stainless steel options listed as free of PTFE, PFOA, PFAS, heavy metals, and hard anodization.
  • Xtrema is 100% ceramic cookware and listed free of Teflon (PTFE), PFOA, PFAS, nonstick coatings, and heavy metals.
  • Red Copper is a nonstick pan option that uses ceramic coating and states they are PTFE and PFOA free.

Should I Stop Using Nonstick Pans?

Changing your cookware takes time, and it's not always practical to replace everything at once. However, small steps can help minimize your exposure to harmful substances. Always avoid using damaged or scratched nonstick pans, and prevent scratches by refraining from using sharp utensils, including metal ones, on nonstick surfaces. 

Also, avoid leaving nonstick pans in the sink under other dishes that could cause damage. If you damage a nonstick pan, it's best to replace it immediately with a PFAS-free pan and avoid consuming any food cooked in it.

Gradually, you can start replacing your nonstick cookware with alternatives like those mentioned above. Remember, change takes time and doesn't have to happen all at once.

Resources

[1] https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.estlett.0c00255 
[2] https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/resources/pfas-information-for-clinicians.html
[3] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11356-017-0095-y
[4] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X23007439
[5] https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas
[6] https://www.teflon.com/en/news-events/history
[7] https://www.consumerreports.org/toxic-chemicals-substances/you-cant-always-trust-claims-on-non-toxic-cookware-a4849321487/
[8] https://www.leafscore.com/eco-friendly-kitchen-products/best-ecofriendly-cookware-choices/
[9] https://pfascentral.org/