Since their debut in the 1950s, pans and other items containing PFAS have revolutionized the way we cook. Operating on gas, induction or electric hobs, they are resistant to high temperatures and some have waterproofing properties. In fact, PAFS have incorporated materials such as Teflon to create non-stick pans. But today, Teflon pans are strongly discouraged, because when they come into contact with food they become harmful to health, and even carcinogenic.
Many households are therefore considering changing their cookware, but do not know which coating to choose between stainless steel, cast iron or ceramic. The daily risks of using a carcinogenic pan: how to protect yourself? Several studies have shown that PFAS can have several harmful effects on health. As soon as it is scratched, the fluorinated compounds contained in the pan permeate the food more easily. Millions of plastic nanoparticles are ingested by the body.
Over time, exposure to PFAS can cause hypertension, immune system disruption and the appearance of several forms of cancer. The health risks do not only concern adults: the development of the fetus can also be impacted because of damaged Teflon pans. It is therefore recommended to throw away the affected cookware and stop using a Teflon non-stick pan as soon as it is scratched. Here are some tips to find out if your pan or cookware contains PFAS!
The first detail to observe is the color of the interior coating of the non-stick pan. If it is black, this means in the majority of cases that it contains carcinogenic agents. Next, you need to check the strength of the inside of the kitchen utensils. If they deteriorate when cleaning with the abrasive side of a sponge, there is a good chance that they contain some. This point is particularly verified when cleaning Teflon pans. Finally, if
possible, consult the list of materials and elements contained in the coating.
Faced with these elements, opting for more expensive, but also safer materials such as stainless steel, cast iron or aluminum remains the healthiest solutions. Between cast iron, stainless steel, steel or ceramic, what is the safe coating for a Teflon-free pan or a PFAS-free sauté pan? Several coatings that do not contain PFAS are available on the market. Beyond this safety, the important criteria to take into account are ease of
maintenance and the non-stick surface. In this area, the materials to be preferred are cast iron, aluminum and stainless steel. Except for cast iron, which cannot be submerged in water, all of them stand up well to time and cook food safely. While ceramic coating is often presented as “PFAS-free”, a comparison conducted by UFC-Que Choisir revealed the presence of a small amount in some models.
