Cookware Toxicity: How to Make Better Choices for your Kitchen

The Truth About Cookware Toxicity: How to Choose Safer Options for Your Kitchen

When it comes to maintaining a healthy home, the cookware you use is just as important as the food you prepare. Many types of cookware on the market today contain harmful chemicals that can leach into your meals, potentially causing long-term health problems. Understanding the dangers of toxic cookware and knowing what alternatives to choose can make a significant difference in your well-being.

PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), often referred to as "forever chemicals," pose significant dangers when used in cookware due to their persistence in the environment and human body. These chemicals do not break down over time and can accumulate, leading to potential health risks such as cancer, hormone disruption, immune system suppression, alzheimer's disease, and developmental delays in children. Exposure to PFAS has also been linked to liver damage, high cholesterol, and an increased risk of thyroid disease. This is why it is so important to detox if you live in the city.

When used in cookware, PFAS chemicals can leach into food, particularly when the cookware is scratched, overheated, or degraded. For example, non-stick pans coated with PTFE (a type of PFAS) release toxic fumes at high temperatures, which can cause flu-like symptoms in humans, sometimes referred to as "polymer fume fever."

Beyond direct health effects, PFAS contamination extends to water supplies, air, and soil, affecting communities and ecosystems worldwide. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), studies have shown that PFAS chemicals are found in the blood of 98% of Americans, demonstrating their widespread presence and potential for harm.

Toxicity in Cookware

Toxic cookware poses risks due to the harmful chemicals used in its production. These include:

• Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): Commonly found in non-stick cookware, PFAS chemicals are linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and developmental issues.
• Lead and Cadmium: These heavy metals, sometimes present in ceramic-coated cookware, can accumulate in the body over time, causing neurological and developmental problems.
• Aluminum: Frequently used in budget cookware, uncoated aluminum can leach into acidic foods, potentially contributing to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
• Nickel: Found in some stainless steel cookware, nickel exposure may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Cookware to Avoid

• Teflon and Non-Stick Coated Cookware: When overheated, non-stick coatings release toxic fumes that may be harmful to both humans and pets.
• Cheap Ceramic Coatings: These coatings often degrade over time, exposing underlying toxic materials.
• Uncoated Aluminum: This reactive metal leaches into food, especially acidic dishes like tomato sauce.
• Plastic Utensils or Cookware: These can release microplastics and harmful chemicals, particularly when exposed to high heat. Plastic is also known for its negative health effects by off-gassing, which happens even without being exposed to heat.

Safe Cookware Alternatives

Choosing non-toxic cookware is an investment in your health. Here are the top options, their benefits, and potential drawbacks:

• Cast Iron
  • Pros: Extremely durable, excellent heat retention, and can add a small amount of dietary iron to your food.
  • Cons: Requires regular seasoning to maintain its non-stick surface and is heavy to handle.
  • Best Uses: Searing, frying, and baking. Ideal for dishes that need to go from stovetop to oven.
  • Cleaning Tips: Do not use soap; scrub with coarse salt and warm water, dry thoroughly to prevent rust and boil oil in the pan for reseasoning.
• Stainless Steel
  • Pros: Durable, resistant to rust and corrosion, and free from harmful chemicals.
  • Cons: Can stick without proper use of oil or butter, and high-quality options can be pricey.
  • Best Uses: Sautéing, boiling, and frying.
  • Cleaning Tips: Soak in warm, soapy water to loosen stuck food; use baking soda or vinegar for stubborn stains.
• Borosilicate Glass
  • Pros: Non-toxic, non-reactive, and perfect for baking and storage.
  • Cons: Fragile and can break under thermal shock.
  • Best Uses: Baking, roasting, and food storage.
  • Cleaning Tips: Dishwasher safe; soak in soapy water for tough residue.
• 100% Ceramic
  • Pros: Free from metals and chemicals, non-reactive, and excellent for slow cooking.
  • Cons: Can be expensive and prone to chipping.
  • Best Uses: Baking and slow-cooked dishes.
  • Cleaning Tips: Hand wash with non-abrasive sponges; avoid drastic temperature changes to prevent cracking.

• Carbon Steel
  • Pros: Lightweight compared to cast iron, excellent heat conduction, and naturally non-stick when seasoned properly.
  • Cons: Requires seasoning to prevent rust and can react with acidic foods if not seasoned well.
  • Best Uses: Stir-frying, sautéing, and making crepes or omelets.
  • Cleaning Tips: Rinse with hot water and scrub with a soft sponge; dry immediately and apply a thin layer of oil to maintain seasoning.

Other Cookware that are fine if not used everyday:

Enameled Cast Iron

• Pros: Non-reactive surface, no need for seasoning, and versatile for various cooking methods.
• Cons: Expensive and prone to chipping if mishandled.
• Best Uses: Soups, stews, and slow-cooked dishes.
• Cleaning Tips: Hand wash with mild soap; avoid abrasive cleaners to protect the enamel.

Stoneware

• Pros: Natural, retains heat well, and distributes it evenly.
• Cons: Requires preheating for best results and can be heavy.
• Best Uses: Baking bread, pizza, and casseroles.
• Cleaning Tips: Scrape off food debris and rinse; avoid soap to maintain seasoning.

Vitreous glass porcelain-enamel finish

• Pros: Non-toxic, non-reactive, and perfect for baking and storage.
• Cons: Fragile and can break under thermal shock, may be toxic if cut or damaged.
• Best Uses: Baking, roasting, and food storage.
• Cleaning Tips: Dishwasher safe; soak in soapy water for tough residue.

The Importance of Maintenance and Selection

Switching to more non-toxic cookware may require an initial investment, but it’s worth the peace of mind knowing your kitchen tools aren’t compromising your health. Prioritize quality over quantity—a few well-chosen pieces can cover all your cooking needs. To maintain the longevity of your safe cookware, always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and care instructions.

The unfortunate thing to realize though, is there is no 100% safe cookware. If something becomes damaged, there are still risks of toxicity that may surface even in the safe stuff. What’s important is the maintenance of your cookware and being consistent in switching it out as it becomes damaged. It’s all about minimizing your exposure to the best of your ability and choosing cookware that will have the least amount of toxicity. When you take care of your cookware it becomes a safe non-toxic tool for cooking and you will have nothing to worry about.

It is also important to consider not just your cookware but your everyday utensils and dishware. Not using plastic or at the very least BPA free plastics to avoid off gassing of chemicals into your food, especially if you heat it up. Be sure your water bottle doesn’t contain led, and of course avoid using plastic water bottles.

By opting for safer alternatives like cast iron, stainless steel, and glass, you can create delicious meals without worrying about harmful chemicals leaching into your food as long as you continue to take good care of your cookware. Take the time to evaluate your current cookware and make thoughtful changes to safeguard your health and the health of your loved ones, your future self will thank you.

Shopping List:

Plates

Cutting Board

Colorful Stainless Steel Bowls

Glass Bowls

8 Piece Bamboo Cook Utensils

6 Piece Acacia Wood Cooking Utensils

Stainless Steel Ladle

Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons

2 Quart Glass Mixing Bowl with lid

3 Piece Baking Sheet

Muffin Tin

Glass Baking Dish

Dutch Oven

11 Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set

7 Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set

20 Piece Ceramic Cookware Set

Cast Iron

Carbon Steel Pan

For high quality one of a kind custom knives we recommend IHarding Knives. Check out their instagram to see previous pieces or contact (801)673-1010 for more information. 

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Sources: 

https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/talk-to-your-healthcare-provider/ 

https://shopleadsafemama.com/ 

https://www.mamavation.com/product-investigations/safest-non-toxic-baking-sheets-cookie-sheets-sheet-pans.html