Green Pan: Lead-Free?

GreenPan is a popular brand of non-stick cookware that claims to be free of toxins such as lead and cadmium. The brand offers a range of products, including frying pans, saucepans, and bakeware, which are marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional non-stick coatings like Teflon. GreenPan's non-stick coating, Thermolon, is made from raw materials derived from Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) and is said to be free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. However, there are mixed reviews about the performance and durability of GreenPan products, with some users reporting that the non-stick coating wears off over time, while others find it to be long-lasting and effective.

GreenPan is lead-free but contains trace levels of antimony

GreenPan is a popular cookware brand that uses a ceramic non-stick coating called Thermolon, which is marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional non-stick coatings like Teflon. Thermolon is derived from silicon dioxide (SiO2), which originates from sand, and is free of PFAS (including PTFE and PFOA), lead, and cadmium.

While GreenPan claims that their products are completely free of lead, independent tests have found trace levels of antimony in the aluminum substrate beneath the Thermolon coating. Antimony is a toxic metal that has been linked to cancer in rats. However, the levels detected in GreenPan products are within acceptable limits set by the FDA and other regulatory bodies.

GreenPan's Claims:

GreenPan asserts that their Thermolon coating is the first and best toxin-free alternative to traditional non-stick coatings. They emphasize that Thermolon is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. GreenPan also highlights their commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, such as minimizing waste and reducing CO2 emissions during manufacturing.

Independent Testing:

Tamara Rubin, an advocate for childhood lead poisoning prevention, conducted independent tests on GreenPan products using XRF technology. While she found no detectable levels of lead, she did detect trace amounts of antimony in the aluminum substrate beneath the Thermolon coating. This finding raises concerns about the potential presence of other undisclosed toxins in GreenPan products.

Health Concerns:

Antimony is a toxic metal that has been linked to negative health effects, including cancer in rats. However, it's important to note that the levels of antimony detected in GreenPan products are within the limits set by regulatory bodies like the FDA. GreenPan's products are also certified by third-party testing labs as conforming to international food contact standards.

User Experience:

Reviews of GreenPan products are mixed. Some users report that the non-stick coating performs well and lasts for years, while others complain about sticking and scratching issues after a few months of use. Proper care and maintenance, such as using low to medium heat and avoiding metal utensils, can help prolong the life of the coating.

Recommendations:

Despite GreenPan's claims of being a healthier alternative, some experts still recommend avoiding non-stick coatings altogether. Tamara Rubin, for instance, advises against using any kind of non-stick coating due to concerns about the long-term health effects of ingesting micro-particulates from the coating. She suggests sticking to plain, undecorated cast iron, high-quality stainless steel, or clear glass cookware.

GreenPan is not made from Teflon

Thermolon is safe to use in contact with all foods and meets international food safety standards. It is safe to use at high temperatures, up to 850°F/450°C, without releasing toxic fumes. It is also free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium.

GreenPan's founders, Jan Helskens and Wim De Veirman, developed Thermolon after learning about the health and environmental issues associated with conventional non-stick pans. All GreenPan products are designed in-house in Belgium and manufactured in GreenPan-owned factories in Italy and China. The company is committed to minimizing waste, reducing CO2 emissions, and recycling.

GreenPan's coating is made from Silicon Dioxide

The Thermolon coating is made by a Sol-Gel process. So what is Sol-Gel process, and what materials are included in this process?

Sol-gel coating composition includes a colloidal suspension of hydrolyzed metal alkoxide particles in an organic solvent, which is applied to bare metal such as aluminium and its alloys or to porcelain enameled metals or other substrates using a conventional wet application technique such as spraying. The sol-gel coating composition is then thermally cured at a temperature below about 500° C.

A series of new non-stick ceramic coating materials prepared from organic-inorganic hybrid materials, including silica sol, MTMS, FAS and PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) using the sol-gel process.

The Thermolon coating is made by a Sol-Gel process. This coating layer mainly consists of silica (aka sand) but not only. It may have additional materials, such as pigments. After being thermally cured, it acquires a durable inorganic polymer coating, whose composition is unknown. The Thermolon cooking surface can be further provided with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating.

Personally, I see lots of concerns here. First off, I don’t consider PTFE-coated cookware safe due to the potentially harmful substances used during its manufacture. One of the most common ones is carcinogenic perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), aka C8, that may also cause flu-like symptoms, fertility issues, and lead to thyroid disorders.

And even if the coating is "PFOA-free", it may have other polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) instead, for example:

• Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)
• Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS)

According to the US Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, more research is necessary, but PFAS may:

• Affect growth, learning, and behavior of infants and older children
• Interfere with the body’s natural hormones
• Lower chances of getting pregnant
• Increase cholesterol levels
• Affect the immune system, and
• Increase the risk of cancer

Ultimately, my biggest concern is the lack of transparency regarding Thermolon coating composition. First, when we don’t know the full composition, we don’t know what substances to test for. Second, there may be an issue with false advertising.

GreenPan's coating is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium

GreenPan's non-stick coating, Thermolon, is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. It is made from raw materials derived from silicon dioxide (SiO2), which originates from sand, and is transformed into a sprayable solution. The coating is plastic-free, PFAS-free, PFOA-free, and free of lead and cadmium.

The absence of forever chemicals in GreenPan products means they won't release toxic fumes, even if you accidentally overheat your pan. Thermolon can withstand temperatures up to 850°F/450°C, something that would not be safe to do with a conventional non-stick frypan.

The curing process for the Thermolon coating creates 60% fewer carbon dioxide emissions in comparison with the curing of conventional non-stick coatings. GreenPan's factory generates 30% of its power from solar panels on the roof and also has its own wastewater treatment plant to keep the water clean and reuse it in many other processes in the factory.

GreenPan's coating is tough enough for metal utensils, but nylon, bamboo, silicone, and wood utensils will preserve the pan's coating and keep it like new for longer. To maximize the performance of the pan, it is recommended to use low to medium heat, silicone and wood utensils, and oil or butter. To clean, use a soft sponge with warm, soapy water. Let it cool before washing and store it safely.

GreenPan's coating is not PTFE

Thermolon is safe to use in contact with all foods. It conforms to regular food contact standards set by the USA Food & Drug Administration and the German LFGB. It also meets safety standards set by the Swiss government and KTR. Thermolon can withstand temperatures up to 850°F/450°C, and is oven safe.

Unlike PTFE, Thermolon won't emit toxic fumes when overheated.

Frequently asked questions