Cody Casey
Nonstick pans are convenient for cooking sticky foods such as eggs and fish. However, they are not designed for high heat and can become damaged or even release harmful toxins when exposed to high temperatures. This is particularly true for Teflon-coated nonstick pans, which are known to become toxic at high temperatures. Therefore, it is not recommended to use nonstick pans on an open fire, as the heat from the fire can exceed the safe temperature limit for nonstick cookware.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Non-stick pans can be used on fires | Yes, but not if they are Teflon-coated |
| Safe temperature for non-stick pans | Not above 500*F |
| Safe to ingest Teflon | Yes, but becomes toxic at high temperatures |
| Alternative materials for non-stick pans | Stainless steel, titanium, anodized aluminum |
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What You'll Learn
Teflon pans can be toxic at high temperatures
Teflon pans are a common feature in most people's kitchens. They are approved by the US FDA as safe food processing equipment. However, there is an ongoing debate about whether Teflon pans are toxic at high temperatures. Some sources claim that Teflon pans are linked to health conditions such as cancer, while others insist that cooking with nonstick cookware is completely safe.
Teflon is a brand name for a chemical coating called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). It is a type of plastic sprayed on items and then baked to create a nonstick, waterproof, noncorrosive, and nonreactive surface. The worry around Teflon coatings was due to one of its chemical properties—perfluorooctanoic acid or PFOA. PFOA is a risk factor for health conditions like chronic kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disorders, testicular cancer, low birth weight, and infertility. While most manufacturers assumed PFOA burned off during the manufacturing process, traces of it were found in some Teflon-coated cookware.
Today, PTFE is no longer made using PFOA. It is chemically inert at temperatures below 500°F (260°C), which are normal cooking temperatures. It is so inert that it is used in medical implants meant to stay inside the body forever and is also found in dental floss, carpets, and network cables. However, at temperatures above 500°F, Teflon coatings may begin to break down and release toxic polymer fumes. These fumes can cause temporary flu-like symptoms, known as polymer fume fever.
To minimize the risk of exposure to toxic fumes, it is recommended to avoid cooking on high heat and to use ventilation when cooking with Teflon pans. Additionally, it is important to replace old cookware when Teflon coatings start to visibly deteriorate with excessive scratches, peeling, flaking, and chipping. While some newer pans are advertised as being free of dangerous toxins, they may still release some chemical agents. The safest cookware to use over an open flame is stainless steel, titanium, or anodized aluminum.
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Non-stick pans can release fumes at 300 °F (149 °C)
Non-stick pans are not designed for high heat. Temperatures above 300 °F (149 °C) can damage the non-stick coating, causing it to smoke, flake off, and release harmful toxins. Teflon, a common non-stick coating, can become toxic at high temperatures. When heated, Teflon can burn, come loose from the pan, and release fumes that are harmful to humans and pets.
To avoid damaging non-stick pans and releasing toxins, it is recommended to use low heat during cooking. Additionally, it is important to use appropriate utensils and cleaning methods, as metal utensils and steel wool can scratch or chip the coating, while the heat from dishwashers and detergents can cause the coating to degrade over time.
When using a non-stick pan, it is also advised to avoid cooking spray, as it can leave a residue that is difficult to remove and can damage the pan. Instead, cooking fats like butter or olive oil should be added to the pan as soon as it is exposed to heat, as this amplifies the coating's effect.
By following these guidelines, users can maintain the integrity of their non-stick pans and prevent the release of harmful fumes and toxins. It is important to prioritize safety and use alternative cookware, such as stainless steel or cast iron, when higher temperatures are required for cooking certain foods.
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Pans with a coating can be scratched or chipped
Non-stick pans are popular because they make cooking easier. However, non-stick coatings can be scratched or chipped, which can be unsafe. The non-stick coating on pans is made from chemicals often called PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as "forever chemicals" because they are slow to break down. One common PFAS is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), also known by the brand name Teflon.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the EPA warn that exposure to PFAS at certain levels may be harmful to human health, although the effects of low levels of these chemicals are still unknown. According to the American Cancer Society, non-stick coatings made without PFOAs (perfluorooctanoic acid) do not pose any proven risks to humans, except for the possibility of flu-like symptoms when breathing in fumes from heated cookware.
When a non-stick pan made with PFAS is scratched or chipped, small particles can flake off into the food, as shown by a 2022 study that found that scratched pans coated with these chemicals released thousands to millions of microplastics and nanoplastics. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using any scratched or dented non-stick pans to prevent exposure to potentially toxic chemicals.
To prevent scratching non-stick pans, it is recommended to hand wash them with a soft sponge, as dishwashers can cause scratches. It is also advisable to use rubber or wooden cooking utensils and avoid metal utensils that can scratch the coating. When storing non-stick pans, it is a good idea to lay a cloth towel over the surface to prevent scratches from stacked pans.
If a non-stick pan's coating is damaged, it is safest to replace it, especially if it was manufactured before 2015. Food starting to stick to the pan is a sign that the surface is wearing down and the pan needs to be replaced.
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Pans with a coating can release chemical agents
Non-stick pans are typically coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is often known by the brand name Teflon. PTFE coatings are generally safe if used as intended, but overheating a PTFE pan can result in off-gassing that may lead to flu-like symptoms called polymer fume fever. These fumes are potent enough to hospitalize humans and kill pet birds.
When cheap non-stick coatings wear out, the exposed core is typically made from a reactive metal (e.g. aluminium or copper) and may leach heavy metals. Non-stick coatings can also flake into your food.
Per- and polyfluorinated compounds (PFAS) are a class of chemicals that have non-stick, stain-resistant, and waterproof properties. PFAS are found in many consumer products, including packaging, clothing, and cookware. PFAS has been linked to abnormal thyroid and hormone function, reduced immune system response, and cancer. It is recommended to use alternatives such as stainless steel or cast-iron pans, which are safer and can be non-stick when used correctly.
There are many non-stick coatings marketed as healthy alternatives, but cast iron and stainless steel are time-tested and proven to be safe. For example, the Oxo Mira Tri-Ply stainless steel pan is a worthy addition to anyone’s kitchen. While it requires some lubricant (butter or oil) to keep food from sticking, it is very easy to clean and cooks evenly.
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Pans with a coating can flake and get into food
Non-stick pans are coated with a chemical compound known as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or under the brand name Teflon. Teflon is a type of plastic sprayed on various items and then baked to create a nonstick, waterproof, noncorrosive, and nonreactive surface.
The coating on non-stick pans can be scratched or chipped off, and flakes of the coating can end up in your food. While the US FDA has approved Teflon-coated pans as safe food processing equipment, and ingesting Teflon flakes is not harmful, heating Teflon above 300 degrees Celsius or 570 degrees Fahrenheit is dangerous to your health. At these temperatures, Teflon begins to break down and releases polymer fumes, which can increase health risks.
Some people are wary of using Teflon-coated pans due to concerns about the chemical properties of PTFE. PTFE used to contain PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), which has been linked to health conditions like chronic kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disorders, testicular cancers, low birth weight, and infertility. However, the use of PFOA in the manufacturing of Teflon-coated cookware has been completely stopped.
While ingesting small amounts of the coating is not harmful, it is still unpleasant and may affect the taste of your food. Therefore, it is recommended to replace your non-stick pan if the coating is flaking or chipping off. Additionally, non-stick pans should not be heated above 500 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent the release of toxic fumes.
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Frequently asked questions
Non-stick pans are often coated with Teflon, which can become toxic at high temperatures. The coating can start to decompose at temperatures above 250°C and will probably fail if exposed to the temperatures of an open fire.
The non-stick coating can start to smoke, flake off, and release fumes that are dangerous if inhaled.
Stainless steel, cast iron, titanium, or anodized aluminum are all suitable alternatives for open fires.
While Teflon itself is non-toxic, the bonding agents used to attach it to the pan are not healthy. There is evidence that scratched Teflon pans can leach harmful chemicals into food.
Some newer non-stick pans are advertised as being free of dangerous toxins. However, they may still release some chemical agents when exposed to high temperatures. It is recommended to use alternative materials such as stainless steel or cast iron when cooking over an open fire.
