Is non-stick cookware making you sick?
UQ Mythbusters
Non-stick cookware has long been a staple of the family kitchen, making cooking and clean-up easier than ever. But concerns have emerged over the years about the chemicals used in non-stick coatings – especially when they are overheated, scratched or damaged.
For this edition of UQ Mythbusters, Dr Deirdre Mikkelsen and Dr Marlize Bekker from the School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability in the Faculty of Science help us get to the truth about the safety of non-stick cookware, the chemicals involved, and the best practices to ensure your cookware remains safe.
Key points
- Overheating non-stick cookware can release toxic fumes – avoid cooking at very high temperatures.
- Scratched or damaged non-stick pans may release particles or harmful chemicals and should be replaced.
- Don’t immerse non-stick pans in cold water right after cooking – this can compromise the coating, making them less safe.
- Modern non-stick cookware is mostly PFOA-free and safe when used correctly.
- Hidden toxins exist in some other household products like air fresheners, cleaning supplies and some plastic containers.
Dr Deirdre Mikkelsen and Dr Marlize Bekker
Dr Deirdre Mikkelsen and Dr Marlize Bekker
Image: sincerely media / Unsplash
Q: Is non-stick cookware toxic?
Non-stick cookware can be toxic if overheated. When the pan or pot gets too hot (above 260°C), the non-stick coating can break down and release harmful fumes. These fumes, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are toxic when inhaled. Thankfully, modern non-stick pans are mostly PFOA-free. If used correctly, modern non-stick cookware is safe for cooking. Avoid overheating the pan or pot and never use them if the coating is damaged – replace old or damaged cookware to reduce potential health risks. To maintain food safety, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use wooden or silicone utensils to prevent scratching/damaging the non-stick surface.
Q: What chemicals are used in non-stick cookware - and are they safe?
Non-stick cookware often uses polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), known as Teflon. PTFE is safe for cooking at typical temperatures: PTFE is safe for cooking at typical temperatures: low heat (93°C to 149°C) for simmering, slow cooking or melting; medium heat (149°C–204°C) for sautéing or frying; and high heat (up to 260°C) for searing or stir-frying. While PTFE is safe for temperatures up to 260°C, overheating breaks down the non-stick coating, releasing toxic fumes. To minimise health risks, avoid using damaged pans and ensure good ventilation when cooking at high heat.
Image: krzysztof hepner / Unsplash
Q: Can you still use a scratched non-stick pan? Or is it unsafe to do so?
A scratched non-stick pan is not ideal for safe cooking, as the coating’s integrity has been compromised, making it more likely to release small particles or chemicals when cooking. While small scratches are not immediately hazardous, they can worsen over time, leading to the coating’s further degradation or peeling off. Once the coating starts to peel, the pan should be replaced. Exposure to the broken coating, especially when heated, could pose health risks.
Q: Is there anything we should be wary of when cleaning non-stick cookware?
When cleaning non-stick cookware, it is important to avoid using abrasive sponges or harsh cleaning chemicals, as these can scratch and damage the coating. Instead, use soft cloths or non-abrasive sponges with mild dish soap. Avoid immersing hot non-sick cookware in cold water, as this can warp the cookware and damage the coating. Refrain from placing non-stick cookware in the dishwasher unless specified by the manufacturer. By properly caring for non-stick cookware, you will preserve its non-stick properties and prevent potential exposure to harmful chemical substances from a damaged surface.
Q: Are there any other everyday household products containing unhealthy chemicals that you think are sneaking under the radar?
Many household products including air fresheners, certain plastic containers, cleaning supplies and personal care items contain potentially harmful chemicals. For instance phthalates, often found in fragrances and plastics, can interfere with hormones. Triclosan in antibacterial soaps is linked to antibiotic resistance. Flame retardants in furniture and electronics can accumulate in the body over time and cause harm. To reduce exposure to these chemicals, read labels and opt for natural, eco-friendly alternatives when possible. Read ingredient lists and try to avoid items that list ‘fragrance’ or ‘perfume’ as they may contain hidden and harmful chemicals – this will minimise your exposure to these unhealthy chemicals.
Image: sincerely media / Unsplash
Image: sincerely media / Unsplash
Image: gaelle marcel / Unsplash
Image: gaelle marcel / Unsplash
Q: Is non-stick cookware toxic?
Non-stick cookware can be toxic if overheated. When the pan or pot gets too hot (above 260°C), the non-stick coating can break down and release harmful fumes. These fumes, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are toxic when inhaled. Thankfully, modern non-stick pans are mostly PFOA-free. If used correctly, modern non-stick cookware is safe for cooking. Avoid overheating the pan or pot and never use them if the coating is damaged – replace old or damaged cookware to reduce potential health risks. To maintain food safety, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use wooden or silicone utensils to prevent scratching/damaging the non-stick surface.
Q: What chemicals are used in non-stick cookware - and are they safe?
Non-stick cookware often uses polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), known as Teflon. PTFE is safe for cooking at typical temperatures: from low heat (93°C to 149°C) for simmering, slow cooking or melting to high heat (up to 260°C) for searing or stir-frying. Prfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was once used in manufacturing non-stick surfaces, but has been phased out due to health risks and environmental concerns. While PTFE is safe for temperatures up to 260°C, overheating breaks down the non-stick coating, releasing toxic fumes. To minimise health risks, avoid using damaged pans and ensure good ventilation when cooking at high heat.
Q: Can you still use a scratched non-stick pan? Or is it unsafe to do so?
A scratched non-stick pan is not ideal for safe cooking, as the coating’s integrity has been compromised, making it more likely to release small particles or chemicals when cooking. While small scratches are not immediately hazardous, they can worsen over time, leading to the coating’s further degradation or peeling off. Once the coating starts to peel, the pan should be replaced. Exposure to the broken coating, especially when heated, could pose health risks.
Q: Is there anything we should be wary of when cleaning non-stick cookware?
When cleaning non-stick cookware, it is important to avoid using abrasive sponges or harsh cleaning chemicals, as these can scratch and damage the coating. Instead, use soft cloths or non-abrasive sponges with mild dish soap. Avoid immersing hot non-sick cookware in cold water, as this can warp the cookware and damage the coating. Refrain from placing non-stick cookware in the dishwasher unless specified by the manufacturer. By properly caring for non-stick cookware, you will preserve its non-stick properties and prevent potential exposure to harmful chemical substances from a damaged surface.
Q: Are there any other everyday household products containing unhealthy chemicals that you think are sneaking under the radar?
Many household products including air fresheners, certain plastic containers, cleaning supplies and personal care items contain potentially harmful chemicals. For instance phthalates, often found in fragrances and plastics, can interfere with hormones. Triclosan in antibacterial soaps is linked to antibiotic resistance. Flame retardants in furniture and electronics can accumulate in the body over time and cause harm. To reduce exposure to these chemicals, read labels and opt for natural, eco-friendly alternatives when possible. Read ingredient lists and try to avoid items that list ‘fragrance’ or ‘perfume’ as they may contain hidden and harmful chemicals – this will minimise your exposure to these unhealthy chemicals.
Image: sincerely media / Unsplash
Image: sincerely media / Unsplash
Image: gaelle marcel / Unsplash
Image: gaelle marcel / Unsplash
