Broccoli soup cooked in a non-stick Teflon pan.

It is natural and commendable to be concerned with what we introduce into our bodies, particularly if we are talking about toxic chemicals. One product in particular has been creating worry for the last decade or two - non-stick, Teflon-coated products. Even with all the information available, many people are left wondering - are non-stick pans toxic? Is Teflon safe to use for everyday cooking?

The reason behind this confusion is that the answer is not a simple yes or no. And that is why we wrote this article - we will explain everything you need to know about Teflon and non-stick coating and why some health concerns may be valid, while others are not. So, let’s start from the beginning. 

What Is Teflon?

To properly answer whether non-stick pans are toxic, we first need to understand what Teflon is. Teflon is a brand name for a chemical non-stick coating that is widely used in the production of cookware. That non-stick coating is based on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a synthetic chemical made up of carbon and fluorine. PTFE was discovered in 1938 by the U.S. chemical company DuPont and they named it Teflon.

Over time, the brand name Teflon became synonymous with PTFE-coating, regardless if it was produced by DuPont or another company. So, when people say Teflon, they are referring to PTFE-based non-stick coating. We should note that Teflon is also used for coating products other than cookware, such as raincoats, cable coating, carpet protection, and many more. As such, most people are subjected to PTFE exposure, regardless if they are using non-stick cookware or not. This leads us to the question - is PTFE toxic?

Is PTFE Toxic? 

First, we should note that no links have been established between PTFE exposure and cancer. On the other hand, PTFE exposure has been known to cause polymer fume fever (also known as Teflon fever) which causes flu-like symptoms within 4 to 8 hours of exposure. However, these symptoms are transient for humans, pass within 24 - 48 hours, and rarely happen as a result of non-stick cookware. PTFE is stable and safe at lower temperatures but starts to deteriorate if temperatures go above 260° Celsius and decomposes at temperatures above 350° C - the decomposition process can create gasses that cause Teflon fever.

However, the temperature during cooking rarely reaches these levels, so there is a low chance of inhaling toxic fumes as a result of cooking with non-stick cookware. In total, PTFE is not considered dangerous to human health. So, if PTFE has not been linked to cancer and there is a low chance of experiencing Teflon fever as a result of cooking, why have you heard about the connection between Teflon and cancer so often? Could it just be unfounded hearsay? No, the concerns are valid, but not because of PTFE but another chemical - perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

PFOA and Teflon

Medical studies have suggested that PFOA exposure can increase the risk of cancer and the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified PFOA as carcinogenic; it has also been linked to other medical issues. So how does this relate to Teflon coating? PFOA was previously used in the production of Teflon. PFOA was used as an emulsifier in the polymerisation process of PTFE and while it was supposed to be burned off by the end so that Teflon should not contain PFOA, studies have shown that trace amounts of PFOA were left after manufacturing. Thus, concerns over the cancer and toxicity of non-stick pans were/are valid and are related to PFOA.

The Production of Teflon Today

Image of laboratory glassware that helps answer the question - are non stick pans toxic?

The purpose of this article is to answer the question - are non-stick pans toxic?, but the answer is not a simple yes or no answer, as you can see. However, in 2024, the answer can be a cautious - no, non-stick pans are not toxic or cancerogenic.  As we noted several times, the main concern relates to PFOA in Teflon and PFOA is no longer used.

The Europan Union had banned placing PFOA on the market for use by the general public in 2008, the USA started phasing out PFOA use in Teflon since 2006 and all Teflon products have been PFOA-free since 2013, while according to the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme, PFOA and Teflon were never produced in Australia and the import, use, and manufacturing of PFOA is set to be banned in Australia from July 1, 2025.

In short, non-stick pans in Australia should no longer contain PFOA, which would make them safe to use. Finally, if you want to err on the side of caution, only buy Teflon cookware that is marked as PFOA-free.  

A Natural Non-Stick Alernative to Teflon

So, are non-stick pans toxic? The answer should be no. However, even if that is not enough for you, you have alternatives. Cast iron is one of the best cookware materials that has natural non-stick properties due to the material itself and its seasoning and has nothing to do with chemical coating, be it PTFE or PFOA.

And you can find cast iron cookware at AGC Catering Equipment. You will easily find whatever you need, from cast iron skillets to saute pans to casserole dishes. Simply place your order online and we will ship your package to anywhere in Australia. If you need any help, feel free to contact us and we will gladly answer any questions you have.  

 


Leave a Comment



Comments have to be approved before showing up