How to Avoid Forever Chemicals in Cookware

If you are reading this blog, you probably know that conventional Teflon is not good for you.

It's a good reason to avoid stain/waterproofing in things like carpets and especially kids' clothes.

And you risk releasing Teflon's PFAS chemicals every time you rapidly heat or scratch (even a little bit) non-stick pans.

Up to millions of PFAS and microplastics can be released from a little scratch! (1)

PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances) are the 'forever chemicals' you may have been hearing about lately in things like Topo Chico water and more. 

Sadly, the 'forever' moniker is because PFAS do not break down naturally and persist in our environment over time. (2, 3)

While the exact chemical compounds used in non-stick are evolving, it's not becoming safe.

"Due to concerns over its toxicity, PFOA has largely been replaced in the production of PTFE non-stick coatings.

Unfortunately, while long-chain PFASs like PFOA have mostly been phased out due to concerns about bioaccumulation and impact on reproductive health, they continue to linger in the environment. What’s more, short-chain PFASs have also been seen to be highly mobile in soil and water and to be extremely persistent in the environment."

"...these polymer coatings, which can include polyethersulphone, PTFE, and bisphenol A/epichlorohydrin, also pose health risks"

"In one study, researchers measured perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs), particularly PFOA, and fluorotelomer alcohols, released from nonstick cookware under normal cooking temperatures." (4)

PFAs effect your indoor air quality and can cause mysterious flu-like symptoms and contribute to cancers.

And we really need to avoid them as consumers as they are affecting our environment for years to come.

But here's the question-what non-stick pan is safe to buy??

I wanted to share with you my discovery of Chef's Foundry ceramic-coated, non-stick pans.

I have been using their pans – and I also have their knives -- with great success.

Other green pans I bought became 'sticky' and harder to clean over time.

Chef's Foundry P600 Cookware has been very reliable for me, and you can even remove the handle and finish your steak or paella in the oven!

You can read more about their 3rd party testing and see them test the pans for things like eggs and cheese -- they roll right off -- here.
If you’re in the market for a new set of knives, give Chef's Foundry P600 Knives a try – it will be your new kitchen best friend. As for my kitchen staple cookware, I give Chef's Foundry P600 Cookware my chef's kiss! 

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Bridgit Danner, LAc, FDNP, is an acupuncturist turned functional health coach and has worked with thousands of clients since 2004.

She is the founder of FunctionalDetoxProducts.com and the author of The Ultimate Guide to Toxic Mold Recovery: Take Back Your Home Health & Life, available in audiobook, Kindle and paperback on Amazon.