Tillie Doyle
HexClad is a popular cookware brand that has gained a lot of attention for its hybrid skillet, which combines the performance of stainless steel with the durability of cast iron. However, the brand has also received criticism and sparked controversy due to its marketing and product claims. The debate centres around whether HexClad pans are truly PFAS-free, with some sources claiming that while HexClad markets its products as environmentally friendly and chemical-free, they may still contain harmful chemicals, specifically PFAS. This has led to a class-action lawsuit, with plaintiffs alleging that the company engages in greenwashing to profit from consumers seeking green products. On the other hand, some sources suggest that HexClad has recently switched to a new coating, Terrabond ceramic, which is PTFE-free and PFAS-free. This change may address previous concerns about the presence of PFAS in their products.
Are Hexclad Pans PFAS Free?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| PTFE Coating | Hexclad pans were previously coated with PTFE, which contains PFAS. However, recent sources indicate that Hexclad has switched to a ceramic coating that is PTFE-free and PFAS-free. |
| Marketing Claims | Hexclad markets its products as environmentally friendly and free of harmful chemicals, including PFAS. |
| Lawsuits | A class-action lawsuit has been filed against Hexclad, alleging that the company deceptively markets its products as PFAS-free despite the presence of PFAS in the PTFE coating. |
| Health and Environmental Concerns | PFAS are considered toxic and persistent, lasting in the body for years or decades. Overheating PTFE-coated pans can release toxic organic fluorine gases. |
| Alternative Recommendations | Some sources recommend stainless steel, carbon steel, or cast iron pans as more durable and safer alternatives to non-stick pans. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Hexclad pans are PFAS-free as of 2024
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are persistent and toxic chemicals that can have negative effects on human health and the environment. They are known as "forever chemicals" because they can last for years or decades in the body and the environment.
Previously, Hexclad pans were found to contain PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), a type of PFAS, which is also used in Teflon coating. PTFE can break down and release toxic gases when overheated, posing potential health risks.
However, Hexclad has recently switched to using a proprietary ceramic coating called Terrabond, which is PTFE-free and PFAS-free. This change was made quietly, and some customers have expressed concerns about the lack of transparency from the company.
The new Hexclad pans with the Terrabond coating offer a non-stick surface while also providing the heating abilities of stainless steel. While the pans are now free of PFAS, some customers may still have concerns about the lack of information regarding the composition of the ceramic coating.
Hexclad Pans: Dishwasher-Safe?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Hexclad pans contained PTFE/Teflon in the past
Hexclad pans have been a popular choice for many home cooks and professional chefs. The company claims that its pans offer a combination of the performance of stainless steel and the durability of cast iron. However, there has been some controversy surrounding the use of PTFE or Teflon in Hexclad pans.
It is important to note that the presence of PTFE or Teflon in cookware is not inherently dangerous. PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene, is a synthetic chemical coating that provides a non-stick surface. Teflon is a brand name for PTFE, owned by the company Chemours. For a long time, PTFE was commonly used in non-stick cookware, including Hexclad pans.
However, concerns arose due to the potential release of toxic fumes if PTFE-coated pans were overheated. Overheating Teflon can cause it to break down and release toxic organic fluorine gases, which can be harmful to humans and fatal to birds. This led to a growing preference for PTFE-free cookware, and Hexclad responded to these concerns by transitioning away from using PTFE in their products.
Before 2024, Hexclad pans did contain PTFE. The company was not transparent about the switch, and customers had difficulty determining the exact composition of their pans. Some sources indicate that Hexclad quietly changed the coating of their pans from PTFE to ceramic at some point in 2024. This change was likely due to increasing consumer awareness and a preference for PTFE-free cookware.
Today, Hexclad pans are marketed as being PTFE-free and free from "forever chemicals." The company now uses a proprietary ceramic non-stick coating called TerraBond™, which is safe to use and does not pose the same risks as PTFE when exposed to high temperatures. This change brings Hexclad pans in line with consumer preferences and addresses the concerns related to the presence of PTFE in their cookware.
Spraying Glass Pie Pans: Necessary?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
PTFE is a type of PFAS
Hexclad pans have been a subject of discussion on various platforms, with people debating whether they contain PTFE or not. While some users claim that the company's FAQ page mentions the absence of PTFE or PFAS, others argue that the coating contains PTFE. Hexclad has clarified that they have transitioned to a new line of cookware called Terrabond, which is PTFE-free. However, the previous versions of their pans did contain PTFE.
PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene, is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene. It is a chemical substance known for its exceptional non-stick properties, heat resistance, and electrical insulation properties, as well as its ability to repel water. These characteristics make it a popular coating choice for various products, including non-stick cookware, baking trays, outdoor jackets, and even dental floss.
Now, let's delve into the relationship between PTFE and PFAS. PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a group of more than 9,000 chemicals that contain a robust carbon-fluorine bond. This strong bond makes PFAS highly stable and long-lasting, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals." PTFE is indeed a type of PFAS and falls under the subgroup of fluorinated polymers or fluoropolymers.
The concern with PTFE lies in its potential health and environmental implications. While it is often marketed as a safer alternative to other PFAS chemicals, there is limited evidence to support this claim. The production and use of PTFE are unregulated, and there are knowledge gaps regarding its effects. To make matters worse, the breakdown of PTFE, especially when overheated, can release toxic organic fluorine gases, which are harmful to human health.
To summarize, PTFE is a type of PFAS with unique properties that make it desirable for various applications. However, its potential health and environmental risks cannot be overlooked. It is crucial to approach products containing PTFE with caution and always follow safety guidelines, such as using them within the designated temperature range and avoiding overheating or using damaged PTFE-coated items.
The Essential Oil Drip Pan: What, Why, and How?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
PTFE releases toxic gases when overheated
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of fluorinated organic chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom. PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene, is a type of PFAS that is often used as a coating in non-stick cookware due to its ability to prevent food from sticking to the pan during cooking and its ease of washing.
While PTFE-coated cookware can be convenient, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with its use. PTFE-coated cookware has been found to release various gases and chemicals that can present mild to severe toxicity when overheated. These toxic gases include perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCA) and fluorotelomer alcohols, which are released from heated PTFE surfaces. The specific gases and chemicals released can vary depending on the temperature and duration of heating.
The most common health risk associated with overheating PTFE-coated cookware is polymer fume fever, a flu-like illness that can cause fever, malaise, dyspnea, chest tightness, and a dry cough. This condition is caused by inhaling the thermal degradation byproducts of fluorocarbons, which are released when PTFE-coated cookware is overheated. While death and permanent disability from polymer fume fever are rare, it is still important to be aware of the risks and take steps to prevent overheating PTFE-coated cookware.
To reduce the risk of exposure to toxic gases, it is recommended to use alternative materials such as stainless steel, carbon steel, or cast iron. These materials can handle high heat and are safer than non-stick pans because they do not have a coating that can leach chemicals over time. Additionally, proper ventilation and hand hygiene after handling PTFE-coated cookware are important to minimize exposure to toxic gases.
Clean Your Wrought Iron Grill Pan: Tips and Tricks
You may want to see also
Explore related products
A class action lawsuit was filed against Hexclad in 2024
Hexclad is a brand of hybrid cookware that combines the performance of stainless steel with the durability of cast iron. The surface of Hexclad pans features a hexagonal pattern, with raised steel hexagons and "non-stick valleys".
In 2024, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Hexclad, alleging that the company had falsely marketed its cookware as "non-toxic" and free of harmful chemicals, when in fact it contained PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). The lawsuit was filed in California federal court by Khuschbu Didwania, Pratikkumar Patel, and Benjamin Adams, who claimed that Hexclad was guilty of unjust enrichment, breach of express warranty, and negligent misrepresentation, among other things.
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit alleged that Hexclad's marketing was deceptive and that the company had violated California's Consumer Legal Remedies Act, False Advertising Law, and Unfair Competition Law. They demanded a jury trial and requested injunctive relief and damages for themselves and all class members.
The lawsuit claimed that Hexclad's cookware contained PFAS, which are "forever chemicals" that can be harmful to human health and the environment. PFAS are used to create surfaces that are stain-resistant, oil-resistant, and water-resistant. However, these chemicals can last for years or decades in the human body, and exposure to them has been linked to various health issues.
Prior to the lawsuit, there had been some confusion and concern among consumers about whether Hexclad's cookware contained PFAS. Some people who purchased Hexclad cookware claimed that the boxes stated that the products were PFOA-free but did not mention PFAS, leading them to believe that the products might contain this substance.
Upper Oil Pan Bolt Sizes for Duramax Engines
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Hexclad pans are now PFAS-free. However, the company has been accused of greenwashing and is facing a class-action lawsuit for allegedly marketing its products as environmentally friendly and PFAS-free while coating them with PFAS.
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They are considered toxic and can last for years or decades in our bodies.
The plaintiffs in the Hexclad class action lawsuit allege that Hexclad markets its cookware products as environmentally friendly and free of harmful chemicals, despite coating them with PFAS. The lawsuit seeks to represent a nationwide class of consumers who have purchased Hexclad cookware products.
As of December 2024, a class-action lawsuit has been filed against HexClad Cookware Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The case number is 2:23-cv-05110.
Hexclad has switched from PTFE/Teflon coatings to a proprietary ceramic coating called Terrabond, which is PTFE-free and PFAS-free.
