Pans with a non-stick coating are mostly made of metal. The non-stick coating is made of plastic, also known as Teflon. Teflon consists of plastic fluoropolymers that are made using PFAS. These substances make the metal water- and grease-repellent. Sounds very convenient, but is it safe? 🍳
Can I safely use my Teflon pan?
The Keuringsdienst van waarde discovered a remarkable text on the instructions for use of a Teflon pan. If the pan gets too hot, fumes can be released that are dangerous to birds. Fortunately, we don't die from it immediately, but it doesn't sound healthy. Still, Teflon pans are generally not dangerous to your health, as long as you use them correctly.
When you put fat in a pan, the pan doesn't get hotter than 250 degrees. Do you accidentally put your pan on the stove without fat? Then the temperature can rise to 400 degrees. This causes the Teflon material to break down and small amounts of hydrogen fluoride fumes can be released. These fumes and pieces of Teflon are extremely toxic. Therefore, the advice is to not only use butter, but to immediately discard pans with scratches and flakes. But there is another problem; PFAS.
The problem with PFAS
Teflon is a form of PFAS, a collective name for all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. This group of chemical substances ensures that nothing sticks to your pan. The disadvantage is that these chemicals are not degradable and thus end up in the environment. More and more studies show that these substances also pose a risk to your health and can even be carcinogenic. Each type of PFAS has its own properties and not all types are equally well known. Therefore, a lot of research is still being done.
The alternatives
Fortunately, there are plenty of PFAS-free pans as an alternative to the Teflon pan. Are you very attached to your non-stick coating? Then opt for a ceramic pan. These pans have a non-stick coating made of natural materials without toxins. Not afraid of a little fat? Then pans without a non-stick coating are also perfect. For example, take a pan made of cast iron, stainless steel, or steel. Their production is sustainable, the pans last for years, and they are easy to recycle. Read here the pros and cons per material.
So, with proper use and maintenance, your Teflon pan doesn't have to be banned immediately. Do you see scratches or loose flakes in your pan? Then we advise you to switch to a safer and more sustainable option such as a cast iron, stainless steel, or steel pan. 💥
