Is Teflon the same thing as PFAS?

Teflon is a brand name for PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), which is one specific compound in the PFAS family. PFAS refers to the entire class of roughly 15,000 per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances. PFOA (used in Teflon manufacturing until 2013) and PFOS are the two most-studied members. Modern Teflon pans are made without PFOA but still use PTFE, which itself is a PFAS by the OECD's 2021 revised definition.

Is PTFE dangerous at normal cooking temperatures?

Below approximately 500°F (260°C), PTFE is generally considered stable. Above that, it begins to decompose and release compounds that cause polymer fume fever in humans and are acutely lethal to birds. Stovetop cooking routinely exceeds 500°F. A 2001 study by the EWG measured non-stick pans reaching 700°F within minutes on a standard burner. Scratched or damaged coatings degrade at lower temperatures. This is the core reason we don't recommend non-stick.

What was the DuPont / 3M settlement about?

In 2017, DuPont and Chemours paid $670.7 million to settle roughly 3,550 personal injury cases alleging PFOA contamination of drinking water near the Parkersburg, West Virginia plant. The C8 Science Panel, established as part of an earlier settlement, found 'probable links' between PFOA exposure and six diseases including kidney and testicular cancer. 3M settled a separate case with the state of Minnesota in 2018 for $850 million. The litigation is ongoing.

Can I still use my non-stick pan safely?

If the coating is undamaged and you never cook above medium-high heat, the acute risk is low. The issues start with scratches, chips, or overheating, at which point particles enter food and fumes enter air. Our position is: use it until you can afford to replace it, don't preheat it empty, don't use metal utensils, and replace it the moment you see a scratch. Don't throw it out in a panic tomorrow; don't buy another one.

Are ceramic non-stick pans PFAS-free?

The coating itself is usually PFAS-free; ceramic non-stick is typically a sol-gel silica coating. But ceramic coatings degrade faster than PTFE, and when they do, you're cooking on whatever metal is underneath. Some brands (GreenPan has been flagged) have had independent testing detect PFAS in ceramic-coated products despite marketing claims. If you want ceramic, go full-ceramic (Xtrema), not ceramic-coated metal.

What about PFAS in drinking water from non-stick manufacturing?

This is the larger public health story. PFAS from manufacturing sites have contaminated water supplies across the country. The EPA's 2024 final rule sets enforceable drinking water limits at 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS, with compliance required by 2029. EWG's Tap Water Database maps known contamination. If you live near a former or current fluorochemical plant, this matters more than your cookware does.

Het begrip· Keuken

De waarheid over Teflon en PFAS in antiaanbakpannen

Two unbranded matte-black cast-iron pans stacked on a slate countertop next to a sprig of thyme and a folded white linen cloth.

Door Het team van PlasticFreeLabBijgewerkt op April 20, 20269 min leestijd

Teflon, PFAS, PFOA: wat er werkelijk in uw antiaanbakpan zit, wat de gegevens over blootstelling laten zien — en wanneer vervanging zin heeft.

De veelgestelde vragen

Wat lezers vervolgens vragen.

Is Teflon the same thing as PFAS?: Teflon is a brand name for PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), which is one specific compound in the PFAS family. PFAS refers to the entire class of roughly 15,000 per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances. PFOA (used in Teflon manufacturing until 2013) and PFOS are the two most-studied members. Modern Teflon pans are made without PFOA but still use PTFE, which itself is a PFAS by the OECD's 2021 revised definition.
Is PTFE dangerous at normal cooking temperatures?: Below approximately 500°F (260°C), PTFE is generally considered stable. Above that, it begins to decompose and release compounds that cause polymer fume fever in humans and are acutely lethal to birds. Stovetop cooking routinely exceeds 500°F. A 2001 study by the EWG measured non-stick pans reaching 700°F within minutes on a standard burner. Scratched or damaged coatings degrade at lower temperatures. This is the core reason we don't recommend non-stick.
What was the DuPont / 3M settlement about?: In 2017, DuPont and Chemours paid $670.7 million to settle roughly 3,550 personal injury cases alleging PFOA contamination of drinking water near the Parkersburg, West Virginia plant. The C8 Science Panel, established as part of an earlier settlement, found 'probable links' between PFOA exposure and six diseases including kidney and testicular cancer. 3M settled a separate case with the state of Minnesota in 2018 for $850 million. The litigation is ongoing.
Can I still use my non-stick pan safely?: If the coating is undamaged and you never cook above medium-high heat, the acute risk is low. The issues start with scratches, chips, or overheating, at which point particles enter food and fumes enter air. Our position is: use it until you can afford to replace it, don't preheat it empty, don't use metal utensils, and replace it the moment you see a scratch. Don't throw it out in a panic tomorrow; don't buy another one.
Are ceramic non-stick pans PFAS-free?: The coating itself is usually PFAS-free; ceramic non-stick is typically a sol-gel silica coating. But ceramic coatings degrade faster than PTFE, and when they do, you're cooking on whatever metal is underneath. Some brands (GreenPan has been flagged) have had independent testing detect PFAS in ceramic-coated products despite marketing claims. If you want ceramic, go full-ceramic (Xtrema), not ceramic-coated metal.
What about PFAS in drinking water from non-stick manufacturing?: This is the larger public health story. PFAS from manufacturing sites have contaminated water supplies across the country. The EPA's 2024 final rule sets enforceable drinking water limits at 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS, with compliance required by 2029. EWG's Tap Water Database maps known contamination. If you live near a former or current fluorochemical plant, this matters more than your cookware does.

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