95% of Americans have PFAS "forever chemicals" in their blood. Your non-stick pans are likely the source.
This guide reveals which cookware is toxic, which is safe, and how to protect your family's health.
Can release toxic fumes that kill pet birds. Linked to multiple health issues in humans.
High levels of aluminum exposure may affect brain health over time.
Excessive copper intake can lead to poisoning symptoms.
If you have traditional Teflon non-stick pans, stop using them immediately and replace with safe alternatives below.
Heavy, requires seasoning, hand wash only
Coating wears over 3-5 years, more expensive
Food can stick without proper technique, more expensive
Very expensive, heavy, enamel can chip
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals used in Teflon and other non-stick coatings. They're called "forever chemicals" because they never break down in the environment or human body.
The EPA designated PFOA and PFOS (two common PFAS) as "hazardous substances" in 2024. DuPont paid $670 million to settle lawsuits from people who developed cancer and other illnesses from PFAS exposure.
Even "PFOA-free" non-stick cookware often contains other PFAS chemicals. The only truly safe option is to avoid all traditional non-stick coatings entirely.
Switch to cast iron, ceramic, or stainless steel cookware. Your body will eliminate existing PFAS over time, and you'll stop adding more.
Cast iron and stainless steel are the safest cookware materials. Cast iron is 100% natural and adds beneficial iron to your diet. Stainless steel is completely non-reactive and contains no coatings. Both last for decades and release zero toxic chemicals. For non-stick convenience, choose PFAS-free ceramic cookware like GreenPan.
Yes, traditional Teflon contains PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also called "forever chemicals" because they never break down in the environment or human body. When heated above 500°F, Teflon releases toxic fumes that can kill pet birds and cause flu-like symptoms in humans. Long-term exposure is linked to thyroid disease, liver damage, and certain cancers.
Avoid traditional Teflon/PTFE non-stick (contains PFAS), uncoated aluminum (leaches into food), and cheap non-stick pans from unknown brands (often contain undisclosed chemicals). Also avoid scratched or damaged non-stick cookware as coating particles can flake into food.
Yes, quality ceramic cookware like GreenPan and Caraway is genuinely non-toxic. The ceramic coating is made from sand-derived materials and contains no PFAS, PFOA, lead, or cadmium. Unlike Teflon, it won't release toxic fumes when heated. Always buy from reputable brands that provide third-party safety certifications.
For most people, no. Cast iron adds small amounts of dietary iron to food, which benefits those with iron deficiency. However, people with hemochromatosis (genetic iron overload disorder) should consult their doctor. The average person gets 1-2mg of iron from cooking in cast iron, well below the daily 18mg recommendation.
Check if it says "PFOA-free" or "PFAS-free" on the packaging. If it doesn't specify, it likely contains PFAS. Pans made before 2013 almost certainly contain PFOA. Any non-stick pan that releases fumes, has a scratched coating, or is from an unknown brand should be replaced immediately with ceramic, cast iron, or stainless steel.
Start with our top-rated non-toxic cookware picks