104: Non-Stick Cookware is Truly Toxic - the GOOD, the BAD & the YUMMY

On Air with Ella episode 104

Welcome to the GOOD, the BAD & the YUMMY, where I share one thing I am loving, one thing I am not, and a super simple recipe!

the GOOD: Wellness Mama for natural living

Katie is the "Wellness Mama" - one of my favorite go-to resources for all things natural living and wellness-related.

the BAD: Teflon and Non-Stick Cookware

Non-stick cookware - formerly known as "Teflon" - still sucks.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which include PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), are chemicals commonly used in nonstick cookware that pose several health and environmental risks, including: 

1. Persistence: These chemicals are known as "forever chemicals" because they persist in the environment and the human body for extended periods.

2. Health concerns: PFAS have been linked to various health issues, including liver disease, increased cholesterol, impaired response to vaccines, thyroid disease, asthma, lowered fertility, and high blood pressure in pregnant women.

3. Cancer risk: Some studies have shown an elevated risk of testicular and kidney cancer in highly exposed individuals. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies PFOA as a possible carcinogen.

4. Polymer fume fever: When PTFE-coated pans are overheated (above 500°F), they can release fumes that cause "Teflon flu" or polymer fume fever, resulting in symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle tension, and headache.

5. Environmental contamination: The manufacturing process for these chemicals produces waste streams that can pollute surrounding water, soil, and air, leading to widespread environmental contamination.

6. Wildlife impact: PTFE fumes can be deadly to small birds.

References:

• https://www.ecocenter.org/our-work/healthy-stuff-lab/reports-landing-page/still-cooking-update-toxic-pfas-cookware-products

• https://www.ecocenter.org/our-work/healthy-stuff-lab/reports/whats-cooking/undisclosed-pfas-coatings-common

• https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/what-is-teflon-flu-and-is-nonstick-cookware-to-blame/

• https://www.consumerreports.org/toxic-chemicals-substances/you-cant-always-trust-claims-on-non-toxic-cookware-a4849321487/

READ THIS! Get the experts' take - it's shocking.

• EWG's "The Dangers of Teflon"

• How toxic is Teflon?

• "DuPont's deadly deceit: The decades-long cover-up behind the "world's most slippery material"
  

Tips for Choosing Non-Toxic Cookware

Many cookware brands advertise being PFOA-free, but this does not guarantee the absence of other PFAS chemicals.

• Read Labels Carefully: Avoid PFAS, PTFE, and PFOA. Look for cookware that explicitly states it is free from all PFAS, not just PFOA.

• Check Reviews and Certifications: Brands like Xtrema Cookware are FDA-approved and meet California Prop 65 standards, ensuring they are free from over 800 harmful compounds.

Excellent alternatives to toxic, non-stick products include:

• Cast Iron - My strong preference. Naturally nonstick when properly seasoned. They are durable but require maintenance to keep the seasoning intact. Avoid cooking acidic foods for long periods as it can affect the seasoning.

• Stainless steel - Non-toxic and durable, but not naturally nonstick. Requires proper preheating and use of oil to prevent sticking

• Ceramic cookware - Often marketed as non-toxic, ceramic cookware is coated with silica-based materials. It provides a nonstick surface without PFAS, but the coating can wear out faster than PTFE.

• Le Creuset products are wonderful, but $$$$.

• Wait, what about your countertop grill? Yep. Some brands use ceramic, and again, the claim is that those are better, but we use ours sparingly. Your air fryer very likely has BPA, PFAS, and/or PFOA, too...but, this brand doesn't.

What if you have no choice?

Tips for when you are stuck with the nonstick cookware as your only option:

• Don't preheat - heat at the lowest temperature possible to cook your food safely.

• Don't put nonstick cookware in an oven hotter than 400 degrees.

• Use an exhaust fan over the stove.

• Keep pet birds out of the kitchen -- the fumes from an overheated pan can kill a bird in seconds. For real.

the YUMMY: "Almost Oatmeal"

Recipe by Paleo Plan

You Need:

• 1 ½ cup unsweetened applesauce - or, make your own!

• 4 tbsp raw, chunky almond butter

• 2 tbsp canned coconut milk, full fat, unsweetened

• 1 tsp cinnamon (or to taste)

• 1 tsp nutmeg

Directions:

• Combine all ingredients in a small pan over medium heat, stirring often until all is thoroughly combined and warm.

• Try it topped with pears, bananas, berries, nuts, pumpkin seeds, apples, or sliced almonds!

See the original recipe here, and a TON of other simple recipes from Paleo Plan.

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