When purchasing my first set of pots and pans, I opted for Teflon-coated ones as they were considered top-of-the-line in nonstick cookware at the time. I wanted the convenience of cooking without the fear of spending hours scrubbing off food stuck to the surface. My husband and I happily used our Teflon cookware for years, until concerns about its safety emerged in the early 2010s. That prompted me to replace the entire set with stainless steel, cast iron, and ceramic-coated alternatives.
Despite my initial switch, Teflon cookware found its way back into my kitchen over time due to its ease of use and affordability. However, as a mother of four, I can’t help but worry about the potential health risks associated with Teflon, especially now that my new Teflon cookware is showing signs of wear and tear. While my husband believes my concerns are exaggerated and that Teflon cookware is now safe to use, I sought expert opinions to settle the debate.
How can you identify Teflon cookware in your kitchen? Although there are some risks associated with Teflon, it remains popular due to its superior non-stick properties compared to other options. “Teflon typically offers better performance than other non-stick cookware,” according to experts. It is also more cost-effective than ceramic-coated, stainless steel, or cast iron alternatives and requires minimal maintenance.
To determine if your cookware contains Teflon, check the label for terms like “Teflon” or “PTFE.” If the packaging is no longer available, inspect the bottom of the cookware for the Teflon logo or look for the characteristic smooth, shiny, dark surface of Teflon coating.
What are the concerns surrounding Teflon? The primary issue with older Teflon products, manufactured before 2013, was the presence of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a type of PFAS known as “forever chemicals.” Exposure to PFAS over time can lead to various health issues, including fertility problems, developmental delays, hormonal imbalances, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
Is Teflon still a health risk? Manufacturers phased out PFOAs in Teflon production after 2013, opting for safer manufacturing processes. Instead of PFOA, modern Teflon cookware now uses short-chain PFAS, which is believed to be less harmful and has a shorter retention time in the body. When used correctly, Teflon made with this new form of PFAS poses minimal health risks to consumers.
“There is little chance of it seeping into food or the air,” Jones stated. He also mentioned that “exposures through proper use of Teflon-based cookware are minimal compared to other sources,” such as drinking water, fish, raincoats, cleaning products, shampoo, makeup, and other consumer products. How can you minimize the risks associated with using Teflon? This is reassuring news for those who enjoy using nonstick pans, but it is essential to take proper care of them.
According to Nadler, the primary risk of using modern Teflon cookware arises from heating it to very high temperatures and using chipped or scratched cookware. “Extreme heat allows the chemicals to be released into the air,” he explained. “Think of the steam rising from a pot of boiling water. This occurrence only transpires when sufficient heat is applied.” Jones advised that Teflon cookware should never be heated to temperatures at or above 500 degrees Fahrenheit. If there are signs that your Teflon cookware has been heated to dangerous temperatures, such as blistering or discoloration, it should be disposed of.
Overheating Teflon can also lead to the development of “Teflon Flu” from toxic fumes, resulting in symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and flu-like illness. These fumes can be fatal to pet birds. To reduce the risk, Jamie Alan, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University, recommends keeping the heat to a minimum when cooking with Teflon and avoiding heating empty pans, which can rapidly reach high temperatures. Nadler cautioned that when Teflon cookware is scratched or chipped, there is a potential for flakes carrying the chemicals to contaminate your food. While Teflon cookware typically lasts about five years, Alan suggested replacing it sooner if visible signs of wear and tear are present.
Despite these potential hazards, Nadler emphasized that by checking the age of your cookware to ensure it was manufactured after 2013, inspecting for chips and scratches, cleaning Teflon cookware gently without abrasives, and avoiding high temperatures during use, the risks are minimal. “The most significant risk to one’s health is likely to be the food being cooked,” he concluded.
Related articles include “There’s A Scary Rumor About Black Plastic Cookware — Should You Throw Yours Out?” and “Just How Safe Is Your Nonstick Cookware?” Additionally, find some affordable, chef-approved kitchen gifts that won’t add to your cooking clutter.
