Cody Casey
PFAS, or per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals that have been linked to various health risks, including cancer, birth defects, and reproductive harm. They are commonly found in non-stick cookware due to their ability to create a non-stick surface that is easy to clean and well-priced. However, the coatings on non-stick pans do not last forever, and even sooner if they are scratched, leading to a constant need for replacement. This not only costs money but also adds to waste. PFAS chemicals are also known as forever chemicals because they persist in the human body and the environment for long periods. While some cookware brands claim to be PFAS-free, it is difficult to verify these claims, and even products made without PFAS may contain traces of it due to the manufacturing process. Copper pans, such as the Red Copper pan, have been specifically tested for the presence of PFAS, and while the ceramic-coated versions did not contain any of the tested PFAS compounds, the PTFE-coated version did.
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What You'll Learn
Non-stick coatings on copper pans may contain PFAS
While some manufacturers may claim their non-stick pans are PFOA-free, independent tests have shown that these claims may not always be reliable. For example, Consumer Reports tested three non-stick frying pans, including the Our Place Always Pan and the Red Copper pan, both with ceramic coatings and claimed to be free of PFOA and PTFE. The third pan, the Swiss Diamond pan, had a PTFE coating and was said to be PFOA-free. The results revealed that the two ceramic pans did not contain any of the 96 PFAS tested for, while the PTFE-coated pan contained measurable amounts of PFOA and other PFAS compounds.
This discrepancy highlights the challenge of ensuring the absence of PFAS in non-stick coatings. Even if a pan is manufactured without PFOA, the compounds can still be present due to the manufacturing process. This is supported by the opinion of Graham Peaslee, PhD, a professor of physics, chemistry, and biochemistry, who suggests that PFOA and other PFAS compounds could be trapped within the layers of PTFE and survive the curing process.
To avoid the potential health risks associated with PFAS, consumers can opt for alternative cookware materials such as cast iron, carbon steel, or stainless steel. These options may require seasoning or the use of lubricants like butter or oil to prevent food from sticking, but they offer a safer and more durable alternative to non-stick pans. Additionally, some manufacturers are developing PFAS-free non-stick coatings, such as Caraway's sol-gel ceramic coating and Our Place's Thermakind® coating, which is made from a sand derivative and water.
While the presence of PFAS in non-stick coatings on copper pans is a concern, it is important to note that ongoing research and consumer awareness are driving the development of safer alternatives. Consumers who prioritize PFAS-free cookware can make informed choices by consulting independent reviews and seeking transparent disclosures from manufacturers.
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PFAS chemicals are called forever chemicals
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals used in a wide variety of applications, from non-stick cookware to firefighting foam. PFAS are commonly referred to as "forever chemicals" because they persist in the environment for long periods of time due to their very slow breakdown.
PFAS have been detected in tap water across the United States, with a USGS study finding the presence of PFAS in samples from 716 locations. The study also concluded that people in urban areas have a higher likelihood of PFAS exposure. The EPA has set water supply limits for two especially toxic PFAS compounds, PFOS and PFOA, but there are still thousands of other PFAS chemicals that remain unregulated. Independent experts believe the concentration of PFAS in US water supplies is high, and the EPA estimates that millions of Americans drink water contaminated with some form of PFAS.
PFAS exposure has been linked to various health risks, including decreased fertility, high blood pressure in pregnant people, increased risk of certain cancers, developmental delays, low birth weight in children, hormonal disruption, high cholesterol, and reduced immune system function. The toxicology of PFAS is not yet fully understood, but scientists are working on ways to clean up their long-lasting effects.
To avoid exposure to PFAS in cookware, consumers can opt for PFAS-free options such as ceramic, stainless steel, or cast iron. Some specific product recommendations include the Calphalon Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron pan, the Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel pan, and the Xtrema Cookware Signature Skillet line.
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PFAS-free alternatives to copper pans include cast iron, carbon steel, and ceramic
Copper pans are reactive and prone to leaching heavy metals such as copper, aluminium, lead, or cadmium into your food. Non-stick coatings on copper pans may also contain PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) which have been linked to health risks.
Cast Iron
Cast iron pans are a safe, durable, and long-lasting alternative to non-stick pans. They are excellent at retaining heat and are versatile, moving from stovetop to oven and back again. Bare cast iron pans are naturally non-stick when properly seasoned and maintained. Enameled cast iron cookware is also an option, offering the benefits of cast iron with a glass black enamel coating studded with quartz particles.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel pans are another versatile option that can be used on the stovetop or in the oven. They require seasoning before the first use and regular reseasoning, but offer a natural non-stick surface that is perfect for cooking eggs.
Ceramic
Ceramic non-stick coated cookware is considered a non-toxic and safe option, free of PFAS and other harmful chemicals. Ceramic coatings are made from silicon dioxide or silica, creating a dense and hard non-stick surface. Ceramic-coated aluminium pans offer excellent heat retention and conduction. While there are some concerns about the use of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in ceramic coatings, brands like GreenPan and Our Place offer PFAS-free ceramic cookware.
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PFAS chemicals, like PFOA, have been linked to health risks
Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a large group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in consumer products since the 1940s or 1950s. PFAS chemicals, such as Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS), have been linked to several health risks.
PFAS chemicals have been used in non-stick coatings on cookware, as well as protective coatings for carpets and fabrics. They are also used in paper and cardboard food packaging, firefighting foams, ski wax, and other products. PFAS are slow to break down and can build up in the human body over time, leading to potential health risks.
One of the health risks associated with PFAS exposure is the increased risk of certain types of cancers. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) found that PFOA and PFOS suppressed antibody responses and were a hazard to immune system function. This can lead to a reduced ability of the immune system to fight infections.
PFAS exposure has also been linked to altered metabolism and body weight regulation, which can increase the risk of childhood obesity. Children may be more susceptible to the harmful effects of PFAS due to their developing bodies and higher exposure rates through water, food, and air.
In addition to the health risks, PFAS chemicals can also be harmful to the environment. They can be present in drinking water, soil, air, and food, as well as in materials found in homes or workplaces. PFAS can contaminate water sources, leading to high levels of exposure in people who consume the water.
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PFAS chemicals may be trapped within layers of PTFE
PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been linked to various health and environmental risks. They are often used in non-stick cookware to prevent food from sticking and to extend the lifespan of the product. While copper pans are not explicitly mentioned in the sources, it is possible that they may contain PFAS chemicals if they have a non-stick coating.
One of the most well-known PFAS chemicals is PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), which was commonly used in the production of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), also known as Teflon. PTFE is a synthetic fluoropolymer that is chemically inert, hydrophobic, and has a low coefficient of friction, making it ideal for non-stick applications. However, PFOA has been linked to negative health and environmental effects, leading to its discontinuation in PTFE production.
Despite the phase-out of PFOA, there are still concerns about the safety of PTFE. Some sources suggest that PFAS chemicals, including PFOA, may be trapped within the layers of PTFE during the production process. This means that even PTFE-coated pans marketed as PFOA-free may still contain PFAS chemicals. Tests conducted on certain PTFE-coated pans revealed measurable amounts of PFOA and other PFAS compounds, contradicting the manufacturers' claims.
The presence of PFAS chemicals in cookware is of concern because they can migrate into food, water, and the environment during the use and disposal of the pans. This can lead to potential health risks for consumers and ecological damage. While ceramic-coated pans are generally considered PFAS-free, it is important to be cautious and aware of the potential risks associated with non-stick cookware.
To avoid PFAS chemicals in cookware, consumers can opt for uncoated cast iron, carbon steel, or stainless steel pans. These options may require seasoning or the use of lubricants like butter or oil, but they offer a safe and durable alternative to non-stick coatings. Additionally, proper maintenance and replacement of non-stick pans can help minimize the potential risks associated with PFAS exposure.
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Frequently asked questions
PFAS, or per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, are found in non-stick pans. Copper pans are not non-stick pans, so they do not have PFAS.
PFAS, or "forever chemicals", are per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances that persist for months or even years in our bodies and the environment.
Yes, PFAS have been linked to health risks in humans, including cancer, birth defects, and reproductive harm.
To avoid PFAS in your cookware, consider using cast iron, carbon steel, or stainless steel pans. These options are safe, durable, and will last for decades or longer.
Yes, there are a few options for non-stick cookware that do not contain PFAS. Some examples include the Our Place Always Pan, the Red Copper pan, and ceramic-coated options like Caraway and Xtrema Cookware.
