How Safe Is Nonstick Cookware? (Part- I)

People around the world use nonstick cookware for their everyday cooking. But there is controversy around nonstick coatings, such as Teflon. Some sources claim they are harmful and linked to health conditions such as cancer, while others insist that cooking with nonstick cookware is completely safe. This article takes a detailed look at nonstick cookware and whether or not it is safe to cook with.

What Is Nonstick Cookware?

Nonstick cookware is coated with a material called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) also commonly known as Teflon. Teflon is a synthetic chemical made up of carbon and fluorine atoms. It was first made in the 1930s and provides a nonreactive, nonstick and almost frictionless surface to the utensils. It also makes cooking and washing up fast and easy.

Teflon and PFOA Exposure

The safety of nonstick cookware has been under investigation for the past decade. The concerns have centered on chemicals called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and other Poly-perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). They have been linked to many health conditions such as kidney diseases, liver diseases and even different types of cancers.

While most of the PFOA on pots was normally burnt off at high temperatures during the manufacturing process, a small amount remained in the final product. However, all Teflon products have been PFOA-free since 2013 in most of the countries. But in few countries, PFOA is still used in preparing non-stick coating.