Is Teflon Safe? A Closer Look at PTFE

Teflon, the brand name for a type of nonstick coating, has been popular for many years in kitchens for its ability to prevent food from sticking to pans and pots. However, there have been some pretty serious concerns about its safety in recent years, primarily around the release of toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS during cooking. Many home cooks have been left asking, “Is Teflon safe?” The short answer is that there are several safer options for pots and pans out there that you should probably consider before turning to those coated with Teflon.

Is Teflon Safe? Understanding What It’s Made Of

Teflon, scientifically known as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), is a synthetic polymer that’s made up of carbon and fluorine atoms. It’s known for its nonstick properties, high heat resistance, and chemical stability. Teflon coatings are commonly used in cookware, such as frying pans, to provide a convenient cooking experience and easy cleanup for home cooks.

However, Teflon-coated pans can release potentially hazardous chemicals like PTFE and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) when they’re heated to very high temperatures (500 degrees F and above). Both PTFE and PFOA are types of PFAS, or forever chemicals. PFOA in particular has been associated with health issues in animals and may cause cancer, infertility, and low birth rate in babies.

PFOA replaced with GenX in 2013

While PFOA used to be part of the manufacturing process of Teflon, its use was discontinued in 2013. PFOA was replaced by a different chemical called GenX. Unfortunately, GenX may not be much safer.

The National Library of Medicine reports, “Due to toxicity concerns, PFOA has been replaced with other chemicals such as GenX [in the making of PTFE], but these new alternatives are also suspected to have similar toxicity. Therefore, more extensive and systematic research efforts are required to respond to the prevailing dogma about human exposure and toxic effects to PTFE, PFOA, and GenX and other alternatives.”

The EPA examined GenX and found that it can also trigger serious health concerns, including harm to prenatal development, the immune system, and the liver, kidney and thyroid.

The problem with forever chemicals

Although Teflon is no longer made with PFOA, it still contains other PFAS (per- and polyfluoroaklyl substances), which harm the environment. (As mentioned, PTFE itself is a type of PFAS.) PFAS are known as “forever chemicals,” because they take a very long time to break down in our ecosystem.

Studies have also associated exposure to certain PFAS chemicals with various health issues, including developmental effects, liver damage, immune system dysfunction, and certain types of cancer. That said, most of these studies have focused on exposure to PFAS in contaminated drinking water sources, rather than Teflon-coated cookware, so more research needs to be done on PTFE when cooking.

Side note: It is possible to remove PFAS from your tap water with the right water filter.

What Is the “Teflon Flu”?

Teflon doesn’t only have the potential to cause long-term health issues — it can also make you feel sick as you cook.

There’s a concerning condition known as Polymer Fume Fever, or more commonly, the “Teflon flu.” When Teflon is exposed to temperatures above 500°F, it can release fumes that may cause flu-like symptoms (chills, fever, headache, and body aches) known as polymer fume fever. This condition is generally temporary and reversible — symptoms usually subside when the affected individual is removed from the exposure.

While some studies suggest that Teflon coatings, when used as intended and not overheated over 500 degrees F, don’t pose major risks to our health, further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects.

Take These Precautions When Cooking With Teflon

If you decide to use Teflon-coated pans, we recommend taking these precautions to ensure the safest possible usage:

• Avoid overheating it: Avoid subjecting Teflon-coated pans to extremely high temperatures, as this can lead to the release of chemicals. Cooking at moderate heat levels and using appropriate utensils, like those made of silicone rather than metal, will help maintain the integrity of the coating.
• Cook with proper ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in your kitchen while cooking with Teflon pans. This helps to dissipate fumes and minimize exposure.
• Regularly maintain your pans: Inspect your Teflon coatings for signs of wear and tear. Replace any cookware with scratched or damaged coatings, as this can affect the safety and nonstick properties.

What Are the Best Alternatives to Teflon?

Unfortunately, the answer to, “Is Teflon safe?” may be no. Since serious concerns about the release of toxic chemicals during high-temperature cooking with PTFE do exist, you may feel more comfortable opting for non-toxic pans that are made without Teflon.

Ceramic cookware also provides a nonstick surface without the risks associated with Teflon. These pans are typically made by applying a layer of ceramic-based coating to a metal base, offering a smooth and easy-to-clean cooking surface.

You can also get non-toxic pans and bakeware made from pure ceramic that cook evenly and safely. Ceramic coatings are also environmentally friendly and biodegradable, which is a win for the planet.

Ceramic and metal pans are usually free from PFOA, PFOS, and other harmful chemicals (though it’s important to double check before buying any new pans that this is the case). They’re a safer alternative and are less likely to release toxic fumes than Teflon pans, even at high temperatures.

If you’re part of the “better safe than sorry” crowd, then it may be time to stop using Teflon in your cooking and opt for a safer option such as cast iron, metal, pure ceramic, or ceramic-coated metal pans. That way, you can cook without worrying about releasing PFAS into your food and the air in your home.