Unravelling the Anagrams: The Truth About PFAS, PFOA, And PTFE

Effortlessly flipping pancakes and then tossing the pan in the sink for a quick and easy clean is the non-stick dream. However, what if that dream came with a dark side? Beneath that seemingly perfect surface may lurk a potential health concern: a trio of chemicals that are as harmful as they are impossible to pronounce – Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, perfluorooctanoic acid, and polytetrafluoroethylene. Try saying all that five times really fast.

These chemicals are better known to their friends and enemies as PFAS, PFOA, and PTFE, which makes it somewhat easy to get your mouth around. While these acronyms eliminate the pronunciation problem, they do nothing to help us understand what these chemicals do, why some manufacturers use them in non-stick cookware, and how they can harm our health.

To solve this problem, we’ve decided to decipher these cryptic acronyms, explore their potential risks, and introduce you to safe and effective non-stick cookware options that won't compromise your health or your passion for effortless cooking. When it comes to the tools you use in the kitchen, the ability to separate fact from fiction can empower you to make informed choices for your health and the environment.

Decoding the Alphabet Soup: PFAS, PFOA, and PTFE Explained

As mentioned above, PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. As you may have guessed from the pluralisation of “substances”, we’re not discussing a single chemical here. Rather, PFAS is a blanket term for a large family of over 10,000 human-made compounds.¹ They're found in a surprising number of everyday items, from stain repellents and firefighting foams to non-stick pans and even waterproof clothing.

The key characteristic of PFAS family members is their exceptional durability – they resist heat, water, and oil with remarkable tenacity. However, this same strength hides a potential downside: PFAS break down extremely slowly in the environment, earning them the unsettling nickname “forever chemicals.”

You can read much more about PFAS chemicals and how to avoid them in our previous blog, which delves into the subject in depth. For now, however, let's zoom in on two specific types of PFAS: PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). PFOA used to be a common ingredient in the manufacturing process of PTFE, which most people will recognise under the brand name Teflon.²

The good news is that, under the international Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), most countries have agreed to ban or phase out PFOA due to health concerns.³ However, if your cookware is past a certain age, it may still be loitering in your kitchen cabinet.

Even if you’ve been a diligent global citizen and discarded all your old PFOA-filled pots and pans, the damage has already been done. Despite the laudable measures governments worldwide have taken to eliminate PFOA, as a “forever chemical", it will continue to leach into and linger in our environment for thousands of years.

Additionally, even if we eliminate PFOA from Teflon, that still leaves us with PTFE, which remains a toxic presence in untold thousands of products across the globe. From clothing to cosmetics, medical devices to automobiles, it truly is everywhere. If you’re wondering why on earth such a problematic substance is in so many things, the key factor to understand is that PTFE is incredibly useful. Dangerous though it may be, it’s a remarkable material, prized for its near-frictionless surface, exceptional heat resistance, and chemical inertness. This unique combination makes it ideal for countless applications.

In our kitchens, it coats non-stick cookware, allowing for easy cooking and cleaning. In industry, it lines pipes and valves, preventing corrosion and ensuring smooth flow. Medical devices like catheters and heart stents also benefit from PTFE's biocompatibility and low friction. Even with the phasing out of PFOA, PTFE has flown under the radar a bit as it’s believed to be more stable and inert.

The Dark Side of Non-Stick Cookware: Why These Acronyms Raise Concerns

The primary worry surrounding PFAS, PFOA, and PTFE is their potential impact on human health. Studies have linked exposure to these chemicals with a staggering list of potential health concerns, including increased risk of certain cancers, thyroid issues, and developmental setbacks in children. The concern is that these chemicals can leach into food and into the air, particularly when pots and pans are overheated, scratched, or both.

Here's where the “forever chemical” aspect comes back into play. Since PFAS break down slowly, they can accumulate in our bodies over time, potentially leading to health issues down the line.⁴ Additionally, their presence in the environment raises concerns about water contamination and the overall health of ecosystems.

Adding to these concerns, PFAS’ tentacles extend far beyond cookware. Far more. They feature in a wide range of consumer products we use daily, including food packaging, stain and water repellents, cleaning products, and even some types of clothing.⁵ This widespread use means we are exposed to these chemicals in multiple ways, not just through our diet.

Moreover, the manufacturing and disposal of products containing PFAS contribute to their release into the environment, where they can contaminate our soil, air, and water. Once in the environment, they can enter the food chain, leading to bioaccumulation in animals and humans.⁶ This is particularly concerning as PFAS have been found in some of the remotest regions of our planet, testament to their ability to travel long distances.⁷

Lastly, regulating these chemicals is challenging due to their complex nature and the lack of definitive research on all the different types of PFAS.⁸ With so many members of this pernicious family of chemicals in existence, it is impossible to investigate each individual variety rigorously and legislate accordingly. For this reason, it is even more critical for us, as consumers, to be vigilant and make informed choices about the products we use.

How to Reduce Exposure to PFAS

Since PFAS lurks in many everyday products, reducing exposure means making wise decisions. Here are some steps to take control:

• Ditch PFAS-laden non-stick pans: Many non-stick cookware items still use PFAS. This is particularly the case with cheaper products. Consider alternatives like cast iron, stainless steel, or GreenPan’s eco-friendly non-stick ceramic cookware. If you have old or scratched non-stick pans, you should be especially concerned about these.
• Filter your water: Some water filters can significantly reduce PFAS in your drinking water.
• Rethink food packaging: PFAS chemicals are often present in takeaway boxes, greaseproof paper, and plastic containers. Opt for reusable, PFAS-free containers whenever possible. Better still, now that you have your superb new PFAS-free cookware, put them to good use and cook more at home!
• Beware of “waterproof” and “stainproof” claims: These features touted in carpets, sofas, and car interiors might indicate PFAS treatment. Choose untreated options to minimise your exposure.
• Consider silicone feminine hygiene products: Some personal hygiene products may contain PFAS. Explore silicone alternatives.

Remember, entirely eliminating PFAS is difficult. However, these steps can significantly reduce your exposure and protect your health.

It’s also crucial to note that much of the PFAS contained in products we use ends up in landfill. From there, it slowly leaches into the atmosphere and into the groundwater. So, when you avoid products containing PFAS chemicals, you also benefit people around you now and for future generations.

Peace of Mind on a Plate: The Importance of PFAS-Free Cookware

So, what can you do to safeguard your health and the environment? Making the switch to PFAS, PFOA, and PTFE-free cookware is a significant step in the right direction. As we’ve just seen, minimising your use of and exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals is good for you, and promotes a more sustainable future by reducing the amount of them going into our ecosystem.

Thankfully, plenty of safe alternatives to traditional non-stick coatings are just as smooth, effective, and easy to clean. Ceramic coatings, for example, offer excellent non-stick properties without the associated health risks. As a bonus, these pans are often lighter and more eco-friendly than their conventional counterparts.

Non-Stick Ceramic Cookware: Your Gateway to Healthy, Safe Cooking

Done with stressing about what's hiding in your non-stick pans? We're 100% with you. That's why we created cookware that puts your health and the environment first. Our secret weapon in the fight against forever chemicals is Thermolon^TM, a unique ceramic non-stick coating completely free of PFAS, PFOA, and PTFE

Our cookware, bakeware, and kitchen appliances all feature this safe, eco-friendly, non-stick coating, delivering fluffy pancakes, succulent stews, crispy fries, and all your favourite dishes with perfect efficiency and minimal cleanup.

Take our Valencia Pro collection, for example. These pans are built to last, with even heat distribution that lets you sear a steak like a Masterchef or confidently cook delicate crêpes. No more burnt bits – just perfectly cooked food every time. In short, we're here to bring you the best of both worlds: a healthy, non-stick surface that performs like a dream.

Knowledge Is Power

Understanding the science behind PFAS – specifically the PFOA and PTFE subtypes – empowers you to make informed decisions about the cookware you use. By opting for safe alternatives like those offered by GreenPan Australia, you can enjoy the convenience of non-stick cooking without compromising your health or the environment. It’s one of the best things you can do to create a sustainable, eco-friendly kitchen in your home.

So, ditch the worry and embrace a world of healthy, delicious meals prepared with confidence. After all, shouldn't your cookware enhance your culinary journey, not introduce unnecessary risk?

End Notes

1. European Chemicals Agency: ECHA publishes PFAS restriction proposal https://echa.europa.eu/-/echa-publishes-pfas-restriction-proposal

2. Is Nonstick Cookware Like Teflon Safe to Use? | Healthline https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/nonstick-cookware-safety

3. Governments endorse global PFOA ban, with some exemptions | Chemical & Engineering News https://cen.acs.org/environment/persistent-pollutants/Governments-endorse-global-PFOA-ban/97/web/2019/05

4. Should I Be Concerned About Using Non-Stick Cookware? | San Francisco Environment Department https://www.sfenvironment.org/should-i-be-concerned-about-using-non-stick-cookware#:~:text=If%20you%20already%20own%20non,into%20food%20or%20the%20air.

5. Perfluorooctanoic acid | Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfluorooctanoic_acid

6. PFAS chemicals overview | ATSDR (cdc.gov) https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/overview.html

7. IJERPH | Free Full-Text | A Review of the Applications, Environmental Release, and Remediation Technologies of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (mdpi.com) https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/21/8117

8. PFAS on atmospheric aerosol particles: a review - Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts (RSC Publishing) https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2022/em/d2em00002d

9. https://www.pfas.gov.au/government-action/regulatory-guidance https://www.pfas.gov.au/government-action/regulatory-guidance