Is non stick cookware harmful ? Myth and Truth

Nonstick cookware is easy and convenient to use, especially when cooking food prone to sticking and burning in a hot pan. However, if you've made your way here, you've likely heard about potential health concerns. So that begs the question: Is nonstick cookware safe?

Commercial nonstick cookware on the market today is largely safe, but some substances that used to be used in nonstick cookware aren't great. Some nonstick pans are better than others if you have health concerns, plus there are plenty of alternatives to nonstick cookware.

What is nonstick cookware?

Nonstick cookware is any cookware coated with a substance designed to prevent food sticking to it. In the majority of cases, this coating is a synthetic polymer, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Nonstick cookware is great for cooking those foods that commonly stick to other pans, such as stainless steel or enameled cast iron cookware. The use of these coatings does have some potential health concerns, however.

Nonstick cookware and PFOA

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a substance that was used in the manufacture of nonstick cookware up until 2015. Studies suggest that significant exposure to PFOA has potential health risks, including kidney failure, kidney cancer, liver disease and low birth weight. In 2006, the Environmental Protection Agency launched the PFOA Stewardship Program, and as a result, the use of PFOA was gradually phased out of nonstick cookware. As such, any new nonstick pans you buy in the U.S. today will not contain PFOA.