Non-stick frying pans have been a basic kitchen necessity since the 1960s. But recently, the conversation around them has changed. People wonder if these smooth surfaces are really safe. The discussion is not really about the coating itself. It is about how that coating is made. Of particular concern is a chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).
Manufacturers use PFOA to make many fluoropolymers, including PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), which is used in most nonstick cookware. Its connection to this potentially harmful chemical is controversial.
In 2003, the environmental working group tried to change the rules. They asked the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to force manufacturers to affix warning labels to PTFE-coated cookware. Their argument is simple. They cite examples of pet birds that died from smoke inhalation. They also cited two cases of “polymer fume fever” in humans. This is a temporary illness with flu-like symptoms.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission says no. They denied the petition. A warning label is not required.
Why the PFOA controversy doesn’t mean you should stop cooking
Then the Environmental Protection Agency stepped in and released a draft risk assessment of PFOA’s health effects in January 2005. A scientific advisory board reviewed the data. The results are mixed, but alarming. Three-quarters of the panel agreed that PFOA met the EPA’s guidelines for “probably carcinogenic” substances.
So should the frying pan be thrown away? Probably not.
EPA’s current position is clear. There is no reason for consumers to stop using PTFE-based non-stick cookware. Why? Because the end product is PTFE. PFOA is used in the manufacturing process. It is largely eliminated when you buy a pot. The EPA is still studying the long-term effects. They plan to eliminate PFOA emissions and products by 2015. Until then, however, cookware is considered safe for average households.
Guide to the safe use of non-stick pans
The fact that the government has not banned the product does not mean that basic safety can be ignored. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission and the US Environmental Protection Agency have yet to remove non-stick pans from the market. However, some rules must still be followed.
Bird owners should be very careful. The respiratory systems of birds are very fragile. It is sensitive to vapors from any sources, not just non-stick coatings. Nonstick manufacturer DuPont recommends keeping birds completely out of the kitchen. If your parrot starts behaving strangely near the stove, this is not normal.
Temperature control is important. Do not heat PTFE lined pans above 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius). When this threshold is exceeded, the coating begins to break down. Fumes can be released. Do not leave these pans unattended on high heat. If you are searing a steak or stir-frying, keep an eye on the smoke.
**Check coating. ** replace the pan if the non-stick surface deteriorates significantly. Scratches and peeling coatings are not only a nuisance. They can harbor bacteria and release particles into the food.
Find PFOA-free alternatives
The discussion about PFOA encourages companies to innovate. New non-stick technologies are emerging as an alternative to traditional PTFE coatings.
SCANPAN is one example. Instead of getting bogged down in the PFOA controversy, they changed their manufacturing process. In 2008, they introduced a product line called Green Tek. The company claims that this cookware is PFOA-free throughout the manufacturing process. PTFE-based coatings are still used. But the main difference is that the absence of PFOA in how it is made does not harbor PFOA.
The move to cleaner manufacturing processes bodes well for homeowners looking for safer kitchen options. It offers a way to enjoy the convenience of non-stick without worrying about chemical residue. The market is constantly developing. New materials are being tested. Consumers pay more and more attention to the what goes into their cookware.
There is still much to learn about long-term exposure. But for now, using your pans correctly seems to be the best defense. Keep the heat moderate. Watch your pets. Replace old equipment. The rest is just noise.
