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Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are prevalent in various consumer products, including non-stick cookware.
These chemicals are persistent in the environment and human body, leading to potential health concerns. Notably, PFAS has been detected in the blood of 99% of Americans.
This widespread exposure raises questions about the safety of everyday items like non-stick pans. Understanding which cookware contains PFAS is crucial for making informed choices about kitchen products.
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Consumer Reports Test Shows You Can’t Always Trust “Non-Toxic” Cookware
To determine whether modern non-stick pans that are claimed to be free of PFAS truly are, Consumer Reports tested 3 non-stick frying pans at different price points [1].
The products tested were the Our Place Always Pan and the Red Copper pan, both of which have ceramic coatings and are advertised as being free of PTFE and PFOA (chemicals that belong to the PFAS family), and the Swiss Diamond pan, which has a PTFE coating and is supposed to be PFOA-free.
Here’s a comparison table of the non-stick pans tested by Consumer Reports, along with their test results and safety ratings:
| Brand | Type | Price Range | Test Results | Safety Rating | Alternative Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our Place Always Pan | Ceramic | $145 | No PFAS detected | Safe | Recommended |
| Red Copper | Ceramic | $20-$40 | No PFAS detected | Safe | Recommended |
| Swiss Diamond | PTFE | $50-$100 | PFOA and other PFAS detected | Potentially unsafe | Not recommended |
Consumer Reports findings highlight the importance of choosing ceramic-coated or uncoated cookware for those concerned about PFAS exposure.
Based on these results, CR recommends:
Ceramic-Coated Pans:
- Our Place Always Pan
- Red Copper Pan
Uncoated Alternatives:
- Carbon steel pans
- Cast iron pans
- Stainless steel pans
Because CR’s research has found that even pans manufactured without PFOA may contain it because of how they’re made, the organization no longer displays “PFOA-free” in their ratings of nonstick cookware. According to CR, such claims may not be reliable for PTFE-coated products.
Related Article: PFAS Exposure Lawsuit Update
“Avoiding products made with PFAS, including pots and pans, may help protect your health and the environment,” says Eric Boring, PhD, a CR chemist who oversaw the testing. “And our findings suggest that consumers who want to avoid PFAS in their nonstick cookware may want to focus on products that claim to be PTFE-free.”
Boring says that non-stick pans that are made with a ceramic coating and carry a PTFE-free claim, such as the Red Copper and Always pans, are far less likely to contain PFAS.
Additionally, many uncoated pans, including those manufactured with carbon steel and cast iron, are also unlikely to contain the toxic forever chemicals. However, they might not prevent food from sticking as well or be as easy to clean.
A California law that went into effect in early 2023 bans companies from claiming that a cookware product is free of any one PFAS (like PFOA) if it contains any other PFAS, like PTFE.
Those claims must be removed from the packaging by 2024, with a similar law being implemented in Colorado. Alon, the distributor of Swiss Diamond, told CR that to comply with California law, it will remove the PFOA-free claim from its website by the end of 2022 and its packaging by the end of 2023.
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Understanding PFAS in Cookware: What You Need to Know
PFAS chemicals, also known as “forever chemicals,” are linked to severe health risks and are commonly found in non-stick cookware. From identifying these harmful substances to disposing of contaminated cookware, here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your family.
Identifying PFAS in Existing Cookware
Many non-stick pans contain PFAS, but identifying them can be challenging without proper knowledge. Follow these steps to check if your cookware might contain harmful chemicals:
- Look for nonstick coatings, which are likely to contain PFAS.
- Check product labels for mentions of “PTFE” or brand names like Teflon.
- Be cautious of cookware labeled “PFOA-free”, as it may still contain other PFAS chemicals.
- For certainty, consider professional testing of your cookware.
Proactively identifying PFAS in your cookware is the first step to reducing exposure.
Disposal Methods for Contaminated Cookware
Improper disposal of PFAS-containing cookware can contribute to environmental contamination. Here are the proper ways to dispose of such items:
- Do not throw PFAS cookware in regular trash as it could contaminate landfills.
- Check with your local waste management facilities for approved disposal methods.
- Look out for special collection events in your area for PFAS-containing items.
- Consider recycling programs specifically designed for nonstick cookware.
Proper disposal ensures these harmful chemicals do not further pollute the environment.
Safe Cooking Temperatures
Certain cookware materials release harmful fumes or degrade at high temperatures. Knowing safe temperature limits for different materials can prevent toxic exposure:
- PTFE-coated pans: Keep below 500°F (260°C) to avoid releasing toxic fumes.
- Ceramic-coated pans: Generally safe up to 842°F (450°C).
- Stainless steel: Safe at high heat but avoid extreme temperatures to prevent warping.
- Cast iron: Can withstand very high heat but avoid sudden temperature changes.
Adhering to these guidelines can help you use your cookware safely and extend its lifespan.
Health Risks of Continued Use
Using PFAS-containing cookware can lead to harmful health outcomes due to chemicals leaching into food. Risks include:
- Exposure to PFAS through contaminated food.
- Liver damage, kidney cancer, and thyroid disease.
- Reproductive and developmental issues, particularly during pregnancy.
- Weakened immune systems, especially in children.
Reducing exposure by switching to safer cookware options can significantly lower these risks.
Legal Actions and Consumer Advocacy
The growing awareness of PFAS risks has led to lawsuits against cookware manufacturers. These legal cases highlight the need for greater transparency and stricter regulations.
- A class-action lawsuit was filed against Meyer Corporation for falsely advertising its Anolon cookware as “PFOA-free”.
- Plaintiffs allege manufacturers knowingly concealed the presence of dangerous chemicals and misled consumers.
- Many companies are now transitioning to PFAS-free alternatives in response to consumer demand and increasing awareness of health risks.
Legal actions emphasize the importance of accountability in the cookware industry and encourage safer practices.
Major PFAS Settlements: Accountability and Compensation
The legal actions surrounding PFAS contamination have resulted in significant settlements, reflecting the widespread health and environmental concerns tied to these chemicals.
Here are some of the most notable cases:
- Dupont Settlement: Paid $671 million to over 3,500 plaintiffs, with an average of $189,000 per claimant.
- 3M Settlement: Reached a $10.3 billion agreement with 300+ affected communities.
- Chemours, DuPont, and Corteva Agreement: Established a $1.185 billion fund for PFAS removal from public drinking water systems.
These settlements highlight the serious implications of PFAS exposure and the manufacturers’ accountability in addressing contamination and compensating those affected.
FAQs
1. Are There PFAS-Free Alternatives to Traditional Non-stick Pans?
Yes, PFAS-free alternatives include ceramic-coated, stainless steel, and cast iron pans. These options provide non-stick properties without the use of harmful PFAS chemicals.
2. How Can I Avoid Non-stick Pans That Contain PFAS?
To avoid PFAS, look for pans labeled as PFAS-free or ceramic-coated. Check manufacturer information and avoid products with traditional non-stick coatings known to contain PFAS chemicals.
3. What Regulations or Standards Address PFAS in Cookware?
Regulations for PFAS in cookware vary by country. In the U.S., the FDA and EPA monitor PFAS use, but specific standards for cookware are limited. Research product certifications for safety.
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If you or a loved one was injured by PFAS contamination, you should contact our law firm immediately for a free case evaluation. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.