Is it safe to use non-stick cookware for health?

Almost all housewives use non-stick pots and pans for daily cooking at home. The non-stick coating is perfect for flipping pancakes, frying eggs or cooking delicacies that stick easily to a pan or pan. However, non-stick coatings, such as Teflon, have caused controversy. Some people claim that the substance is dangerous and has been linked to health conditions such as cancer. Others insist that cooking with non-stick cookware is absolutely safe.

Teflon, a type of chemical that covers cooking utensils

Various non-stick cookware, such as pans or pans, have been coated with a material called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is commonly known as Teflon.

Teflon is a synthetic chemical consisting of carbon and fluorine atoms. It was first built in the 1930s, and provides a non-reactive, non-stick and nearly friction-free surface.

The non-stick surface makes Teflon-coated cookware comfortable and easy to clean. It also requires a little oil or butter, making it a healthy way to cook and fry food.

In addition, Teflon is also used to make wire and cable upholstery, cloth and carpet protectors, and waterproof fabrics for outerwear such as raincoats.

However, using non-stick cooking utensils raises its own concerns. This concern arises because a chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which was previously used to manufacture non-stick cookware, is thought to have adverse health effects.

Then, is it safe to cook with non-stick cookware?

Currently, all Teflon products are PFOA free. Therefore, the health effects of PFOA exposure are no longer a problem. However, PFOA was used in Teflon production until 2013.

While most of the PFOA in the pot is usually burned at high temperatures during the manufacturing process, a small amount remains in the final product. Nonetheless, studies have found that Teflon cookware is not a significant source of PFOA exposure.

PFOA has been linked to several health conditions, including thyroid disorders, chronic kidney disease, liver disease and testicular cancer. It has also been linked to infertility and low birth weight.

Dangers of using non-stick cookware that is too hot

In general, Teflon is a safe and stable compound. However, at temperatures above 300 degrees Celsius, the Teflon coating on non-stick cookware begins to break down, releasing toxic chemicals into the air. Inhaling these fumes can cause polymer fume fever, also known as Teflon flu.

Polymer smog fever consists of temporary symptoms, such as flu, chills, fever, headache and body aches. These symptoms may occur 4-10 hours after exposure, and the condition will disappear within 12-48 hours.

Several small studies have also reported more serious side effects from exposure to Teflon overheating, including lung damage.

However, in all of the reported cases, a person was exposed to Teflon fumes that overheated to an extreme temperature of at least 730 degrees Fahrenheit or 390 degrees Celsius, and was exposed for extended periods of at least four hours.

Alternative to non-stick cookware

Modern non-stick cookware is generally considered safe. However, if you are still worried about any of the potential health effects, you can try other cookware alternatives.

Here are some Teflon-free cookware alternatives.

Stainless steel, very good for sauteing and browning food. It is durable and scratch resistant. It's also wash-safe and easy to clean.
Cast-iron cookware, non-sticky, durable and can withstand temperatures above what is considered safe for non-stick pots and pans.
Stoneware, can heat dishes evenly and is not sticky when seasoned. It is also scratch resistant and can be heated to very high temperatures.
Ceramic cookware,is a relatively new product, has excellent non-stick properties, but the coating is easy to scratch.
Silicone cookware. Silicone is a synthetic rubber, which is used in baking utensils and kitchen utensils.