Is non-stick safe?

We use it every day to cook food for our children, but non-stick materials such as Teflon have been associated with health concerns including; smaller birth weight in new babies, cancer, liver damage and fertility problems.

Health concerns

The safety of non-stick materials, especially Perflurooctanic Adic (PFOA) a key ingredient used in the manufacture of Teflon and other non-stick materials used in cookware has been called into question.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG), have conducted studies showing that toxic fumes leach from non-stick pans when subjected to high temperatures. Fumes released from non-stick products can cause flu-like symtoms known as polymer fume fever. A study from EWG shows that they can also be fatal for birds kept as pets.

What is normal use?

DuPont, the company that trademarked Teflon in the USA in the 1940′s, acknowledges that its non-stick coatings begin to deteriorate when cookware reaches about 500 degrees Farenheit. They do point out that this temperature exceeds typical cooking conditions and maintains that the pans are safe to use for normal use.

Health experts also have concerns regarding the use of non-stick in the kitchen. Metal utensils used with non-stick cookware scratch the surface which can release both Teflon and underlying metals such as aluminum into your food.

Government action on non-stick substances

2006: the US Food and Drink Administration, DuPont and several other companies, agreed to voluntarily phase out the production of PFOA by 2015.
2006: the Science Advisory Board told the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that PFOA used in the manufacture of Teflon is a “likely human carcinogen.”
2004: the British government withdrew a related chemical perfluoroocatand sulphonate (PFOS) due to health concerns.

Using non-stick safely

If using non-stick for cooking;

Read the manufacturers instructions regarding temperature and type of utensils used.
Check for peeling, flaking and scratching. Throw out any damaged non-stick items.
Use wooden spoons or non-stick utensils with non-stick cookware.
Do not heat non-stick cookware beyond tempertures of 500°F. Teflon begins to deteriorate at 536° Fahrenheit and rapidly enters the surrounding air at approximately 600 – 650°F.
Do not use metal utensils (e.g: spoons, spatulas, knives etc) with non-stick pots, pans or bakeware.
Wash Teflon pans by hand, not in a dishwasher.

Alternatives to non-stick pots and pans

Stainless steel.
Silicon bakeware and utensils.
Pyrex bakeware.
Seasoned cast iron.
Enameled cast iron pans.

How to avoid food sticking to pans

Pans: heat up the pan first, then add your oil to the hot pan. Let the oil warm up before you add the food.
Bakeware: grease baking trays, cake tins and all baking ware thoroughly with oil each time you use them.