Did you know PFAS can be in your cookware?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of harmful chemicals.
They are used to make waterproof, nonstick, and stain-resistant materials. They do not break down naturally over time and build up in the environment and body.
Scientists are studying how PFAS affect people’s health.
Exposure to PFAS may lead to:
- Lower birth weights.
- Elevated cholesterol levels.
- Increased risk of thyroid disease.
- Reduced immune response to vaccines.
- Higher risk of testicular and kidney cancers.
- Increased high blood pressure during pregnancy.
- Changes in liver enzymes that indicate liver damage.
How do you know if PFAS is in your cookware?
PFAS are common in nonstick cookware coating.
PFAS in nonstick cookware may release into food if you scratch it or use high temperatures.
Your cookware may contain PFAS if it:
- Has a nonstick surface.
- Is scratched, peeling, or flaking.
Even if your cookware is labeled PTFE- or PFOA-free, it may still contain PFAS.
Keep PFAS out of your food.
Maintain your cookware:
Inspect cookware regularly.
Replace scratched or damaged nonstick pans.
Cook below 400°F.
High heat can release harmful fumes from PFAS-coated pans.
When you buy or replace cookware:
Switch to safer cookware.
Stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic are great options.
Hand wash pots and pans.
Prolong the life of your cookware.
PFAS can be in other everyday items, too.
Cleaning products.
Furniture and upholstery.
Food packaging materials.
Waterproof clothing and gear.
What can you do?
- Buy PFAS-free products. Prevent PFAS inside your home. Ask retailers what’s in their products or research on EPA’s Safer Choice site.
- Avoid stain- and water-resistant products. Consider other products that meet your needs.
- Vacuum and dust your home often. PFAS can gather in dust and on soft materials like carpet and fabric. Wipe surfaces often. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. This especially protects children and pets who spend more time on the floor.
- Leave your shoes at the door. Shoes can bring harmful chemicals into your home.
- Ventilate your home. Open windows to circulate air. Prevent exposure to harmful chemicals in stagnant indoor air and dust.
Learn more about PFAS and other product hazards.
PFAS Basics
PFAS FAQs
Cast iron, stainless steel, and ceramic cookware are great PFAS-free options. Look for products labeled PFAS-free to ensure they don’t contain harmful chemicals.
Look for certifications that conduct thorough assessments of product ingredients like:
- EPA’s Safer Choice.
- Cradle to Cradle Certified.
- GreenScreen Certified.
PFAS exposure is widespread in the United States. You can be exposed to PFAS through:
- Food.
- Drinking water.
- Products like stain- and water-proofing sprays, stain-resistant carpeting, water-repellant clothing and leather goods, and cosmetics.
You can also be exposed:
- By swallowing soil or indoor dust that contain PFAS.
- In the workplace.
- By breathing indoor air with PFAS that escape from consumer products.
Be cautious of cookware labeled nonstick. These products are often coated with chemicals, including PFAS.
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are common types of PFAS. Even if a product is labeled “PFOA-free” or “PTFE-free,” it may still contain other forms of PFAS.
PFAS are commonly used in the coatings of nonstick cookware to prevent food from sticking, reducing the need for oils or fats.
Use these tips to reduce potential PFAS exposure when you use nonstick cookware:
- Cook at lower temperatures (below 400°F) to minimize release of harmful chemicals.
- Use wooden or silicone utensils. Metal utensils can scratch nonstick coatings, potentially making it easier for toxins to migrate out.
- Replace cookware if the coating is damaged or chipped.
- Handwash cookware using warm water, soft sponges, and mild soap.
- Avoid harsh detergents and dishwashers which can degrade the nonstick surface and shorten the cookware’s lifespan.
PFAS have been detected in the drinking water supplies of millions of Americans, often exceeding recommended federal and state safety levels. Chemicals can enter water sources through manufacturing, disposal, or spills near water supplies.
Because PFAS are resistant to breaking down, they can persist in water and your body for many years. To reduce your exposure, consider installing a water filter specifically designed to reduce PFAS or use an alternative water source for drinking, cooking, and preparing infant formula.