Non-stick cookware refers to cookware that has a chemical coating so that food doesn’t stick. Teflon is the brand name for DuPont’s non-stick cookware, but many other companies (for example, T-Fal and Silverstone) also make non-stick cookware.
How you’re exposed to chemicals in non-stick coating
If you heat non-stick cookware to high temperatures, it gives off fumes that contain chemicals that are harmful to your health. Some studies show that heating non-stick coatings to 300 degrees Celsius (572 degrees Fahrenheit) can create fumes containing TFE – a possible cancer-causing substance.
You may also be exposed to the chemicals used to make non-stick cookware because these substances are released into the environment during the manufacturing process. This may be of greater concern for people who work in places that make products with non-stick coatings. However, scientists have also found increasing levels of PFOA – the substance released from the manufacturing plants into the environment – in areas far from the plant.
Though non-stick coating can sometimes flake off into your food, there is no evidence that eating these small quantities is harmful.
Non-stick cookware and cancer
Exposure to TFE, the chemical that can be released in fumes if you cook with non-stick cookware at high temperatures, may increase cancer risk. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the National Toxicology Program (NTP) classify TFE as a possible cause of cancer. Find out more about how cancer-causing substances are classified.
Fumes can also contain several other chemicals that are toxic, but are not associated with cancer.
PFOA, a potential cancer-causing chemical used to make non-stick products may be released into the environment during manufacturing. PFOA may also be present in the cookware at very low levels. The majority of a Scientific Advisory Board for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency believes that PFOA likely causes cancer. PFOA also causes cancer in laboratory animals. Some studies show that exposure to PFOA over long periods of time may be linked to prostate cancer in humans. But we need more research to be sure of possible harms. PFOA has been found in higher-than-expected amounts in people and in the environment and may be of greater concern than TFE. Research into these chemicals is ongoing. IARC has identified PFOA as a high priority for review within the next few years.
Tips to reduce your exposure
Health Canada, the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Food and Drug Administration do not advise against using cookware with non-stick coatings or other products with PTFE. They advise that non-stick cookware needs to be used properly.
Using non-stick cookware can help you reduce the amount of butter or oil in your diet, which is good for your health. But it is important to remember:
- Don’t use non-stick cookware at high temperatures. Health Canada recommends a maximum temperature of 350° Celsius or 650° Fahrenheit.
- Don’t use non-stick cookware for broiling or other high temperature baking and cooking.
Suggested links for more information
General information about non-stick and other types of cookware
Health Canada provides an information page about cookware made with a variety of materials, including non-stick coating.
Health Canada – Safe use of cookware
Scientific information about PFOA
Learn more about the potentially cancer-causing substance that may be found in low levels in some non-stick cookware.
US Environmental Protection Agency – Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and fluorinated telomers
Taking action regarding PFCA-related substances
The Canadian government has produced an action plan reducing the risk of perfluorinated carboxylic acid (PFCAs) in our environment. PFCAs are a class of substances that includes PFOAs. Internationally, the European Union is funding a group known as PERFORCE, which is studying environmental exposure of certain PFCA related substances.
Environment Canada – PFCA action plan
PERFORCE project