Coated Pizza Pans: Safe Or Not?

Pizza pans come in many different shapes and sizes, and can be made from a variety of materials. While pizza pans with coatings can be convenient, they may also present health hazards. The coating on non-stick pizza pans contains a chemical called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is sold under the brand name Teflon. When heated to very high temperatures, this coating can break down and create hazardous fumes.

The dangers of PTFE and PFOA

PTFE and PFOA are chemicals used in the creation of non-stick coatings on cookware. PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), commonly known as Teflon, is a synthetic chemical made up of carbon and fluorine atoms. PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) was previously used in the production of PTFE but has not been used since 2013.

PFOA has also been linked to various health conditions, including thyroid disorders, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, testicular cancer, infertility, and low birth weight. Studies have found PFOA in the blood of a significant percentage of the population, and it has been detected in the gas phase released from cooking utensils at normal cooking temperatures.

To minimise the risks associated with PTFE and PFOA, it is important to follow safety precautions when using non-stick cookware. This includes avoiding preheating an empty pan, cooking on medium or low heat, ventilating the kitchen during cooking, and replacing old cookware when the PTFE coating starts to deteriorate.

The health risks of Teflon coating

Teflon, or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), is a brand name for a chemical coating sprayed on various items and then baked to create a nonstick, waterproof, noncorrosive, and nonreactive surface. While Teflon itself is generally considered safe, concerns have been raised about its health risks, particularly when heated to very high temperatures. Here is an overview of the health risks associated with Teflon coating:

Health Risks of Teflon Coating:

• Release of Toxic Fumes: When heated above 500°F (260°C), Teflon coatings begin to break down and release toxic fumes. These fumes can cause polymer fume fever, also known as the Teflon flu, which includes temporary flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, headache, and body aches. Prolonged exposure to these fumes may increase health risks.
• Increased Cancer Risk: Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical previously used in the production of Teflon, has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, including testicular, liver, and pancreatic cancer. While PFOA has not been used in Teflon since 2013, it is still possible for people to be exposed to it through contaminated water, food, or consumer goods.
• Other Health Issues: Exposure to PFOA and other perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been associated with various health issues, including decreased vaccine response in children, increased blood cholesterol levels, changes in liver enzymes, decreased birth weight, and increased chances of preeclampsia and high blood pressure in pregnant women.
• Risk to Birds: Teflon coating fumes are extremely dangerous to birds and can lead to suffocation and death. Bird owners are advised to keep their pets away from the kitchen while cooking with nonstick cookware.
• Flaking and Chipping: Older nonstick pans may start to flake or chip, and particles of PTFE may end up in food. While these particles are not considered harmful when ingested, they can lead to uneven heating, potentially increasing toxic emissions.

It is important to note that modern nonstick cookware is generally considered safe for everyday home cooking as long as temperatures do not exceed 500°F (260°C). To minimise the risks associated with Teflon coating, it is recommended to avoid overheating nonstick pans, maintain proper ventilation in the kitchen, and replace old cookware when the Teflon coating shows signs of deterioration.

The safety of coated pans

Coated pans are a common kitchen staple, with non-stick coatings allowing for easier cooking and cleaning. However, it's important to be aware of potential hazards associated with these pans to ensure safe usage. Here are some key considerations regarding the safety of coated pans:

Types of Coatings

Coated pans typically have either a non-stick or ceramic coating. Non-stick coatings, such as Teflon, are made from a chemical called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). This coating creates a non-stick, waterproof, and non-corrosive surface, making it popular for cookware. On the other hand, ceramic coatings are primarily made of silicon dioxide and other metal oxides, providing a non-stick alternative without the use of PTFE.

Health Hazards

The main concern with non-stick coated pans is the presence of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which was previously used in the manufacturing process. PFOA has been linked to various health risks, including chronic kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disorders, testicular cancer, low birth weight, and infertility. While the use of PFOA has been discontinued, traces of it were found in some coated cookware, and it is still found in the environment and the blood of US residents. Additionally, when heated to very high temperatures, non-stick coatings can release hazardous fumes that may cause flu-like symptoms in humans and can be deadly to pet birds.

Maintenance and Care

To minimize health risks, it is important to properly maintain and care for coated pans. Non-stick pans should not be heated above 500 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid the release of toxic fumes. It is also recommended to replace non-stick pans every two years, as the coating may begin to degrade, and to dispose of them when they start to flake to prevent uneven heating and potentially increase toxic emissions. For ceramic-coated pans, proper care involves avoiding metal utensils and steel wool to prevent abrading the surface.

Alternatives

If you are concerned about the potential hazards of coated pans, there are alternative options available. Stainless steel, cast iron, and enameled cast-iron cookware are recommended by experts as safer alternatives. These materials do not contain the same chemical coatings as non-stick pans and can last a lifetime with proper care. Additionally, uncoated pans made from materials like carbon steel and cast iron provide a natural non-stick surface over time and are less likely to contain harmful chemicals.

The impact on birds

Teflon-coated pans, also known as PTFE, are known to be dangerous to birds. When heated to high temperatures, Teflon-coated pans emit fumes that can be deadly to birds. This is because birds have efficient lungs that can suck in oxygen and transfer it to their bloodstream at an impressive rate, and if there is an airborne toxin, their lungs will efficiently suck that in too.

In the past 25 years, nonstick cookware heated at high temperatures has been linked to the deaths of hundreds of pet birds. Bird owners are advised to replace all nonstick cookware and to avoid using nonstick cookie sheets, Teflon-lined ovens, and burners lined with Teflon drip pans.

The fumes from overheated nonstick cookware that can kill pet birds can also produce flu-like symptoms in humans. Therefore, it is recommended to ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated.

It is also important to note that burning oil, heated butter, or other substances can also create fumes that are dangerous to birds.

To avoid harming birds, bird owners may choose to use alternative materials for cookware such as stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic.

The alternatives to coated pans

Coated pizza pans can be dangerous to your health when heated to very high temperatures, as the coating creates hazardous fumes. If you're looking for an alternative, here are some options:

Cast Iron Pizza Pans

Cast iron pans are sturdy and reliable, and they're excellent for heat retention. They can be used to produce crispy, thin-crust pizzas and are durable, long-lasting, and easy to clean.

Pizza Stones

Pizza stones are typically made from ceramic or cordierite and mimic the cooking process of a brick oven. They absorb excess moisture from the dough, resulting in a crispier crust. Pizza stones are easy to use and clean and can also be used for baking cookies, biscuits, and bread.

Pizza Screens

Pizza screens are round metal disks with small holes that allow for superior airflow and heat distribution. They are ideal for producing crispy, thin-crust pizzas and help the pizza bake faster. Pizza screens are typically made with aluminum, making them affordable, lightweight, and easy to store.

Baking Sheets

Using an inverted baking sheet is a great alternative to a pizza stone. Place the rimmed baking sheet upside down on the lowest shelf of your oven before preheating, and then slide the pizza onto the baking sheet. This method ensures the baking sheet's surface is hot enough to crisp the pizza, and it's easier to handle than a pizza stone.

Pizza Steels

Pizza steels are a newer alternative to pizza stones, made from thick slabs of stainless steel. They absorb moisture, get extremely hot, and cook the pizza crust evenly for a crispy, charred finish. Pizza steels heat and cool faster than stones, making them ideal for cooking multiple pizzas.

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