- A scratch on a person’s nonstick cookware can release dangerous toxins
- Researchers found that Teflon pans could release millions of microplastics
- These plastics will contaminate a person’s food and can cause long term harm
- These PFAS chemicals are linked to multiple cancers and developmental issues
A single scratch on a nonstick pan can release millions of microplastic particles into your food and home, according to new research. An Australian study, which utilized advanced light-wave technology to measure microscopic particles, found that even a small crack in a Teflon-coated pan can unleash a significant amount of tiny toxins.
Nonstick cookware often contains per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.” These substances are used for their heat-resistant and nonstick properties, making them a staple in millions of kitchens across the U.S. However, PFAS have been linked to a range of serious health issues, including cancer, autism, infertility, and developmental problems.
A 2020 study revealed that 99% of Americans have detectable levels of PFAS in their bloodstream, highlighting the widespread exposure to these chemicals. The Australian researchers discovered that a single 5-centimeter scratch on a Teflon pan—caused by something as simple as a spatula or spoon—could release up to 2.3 million microplastic particles. In total, more than 9,000 plastic particles were found to disperse across the pan, potentially contaminating food cooked on its surface.
Despite these risks, there are no federal regulations in the U.S. limiting the amount of PFAS allowed on the surface of manufactured goods. Dr. Cheng Fang, a senior research fellow at the University of Newcastle in Australia, emphasized the need for further investigation: “Given the fact PFAS is a big concern, these Teflon microparticles in our food might be a health concern, so this needs investigating because we don’t know much about these emerging contaminants.”
The study, published in Science of The Total Environment, used Raman imaging—a technique that employs light waves to track the movement and interaction of particles—to analyze the release of microplastics from scratched pans. The findings revealed that millions of particles could be expelled into food during cooking.
Once ingested, PFAS can remain in the body for years, as they are only slowly eliminated through urine. Dubbed “forever chemicals,” PFAS take nearly a decade to break down in the body and never degrade in the environment.
While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not established a safe limit for PFAS in food, researchers urge consumers to be cautious about the products they use. Experts recommend avoiding nonstick pans, particularly those coated with Teflon, to minimize exposure.
Professor Youhong Tang, a researcher at Australia’s Flinders University, warned, “It gives us a strong warning that we must be careful about selecting and using cooking utensils to avoid food contamination. More research is recommended to address the risk assessment of Teflon microplastics and nanoplastics, given that Teflon is a family member of PFAS.”
Teflon, a major manufacturer of nonstick cookware, uses a chemical called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a type of PFAS. While there is no definitive data on whether PTFE is more or less harmful than other PFAS, experts are concerned about the pervasive presence of these chemicals in everyday items, from cookware to food packaging.
Exposure to PFAS, especially during childhood, can have long-term health consequences. A 2022 University of Texas study found that children exposed to PFAS in the womb were more likely to develop autism. Long-term exposure has also been linked to an increased risk of kidney, testicular, ovarian, prostate, thyroid, and bone marrow cancers.
In July, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued guidance recommending that PFAS levels in drinking water should not exceed 0.004 parts per trillion (ppt). Some states, including Maine, have taken steps to ban PFAS in products like clothing and bedding. However, the ubiquity of these chemicals makes them difficult to avoid entirely.
Sydney Evans, an analyst at the Environmental Working Group, noted, “It’s really hard to shop your way out of [PFAS exposure]. You can get rid of [one product], but the thing you replace it with will also have PFAS.”
As awareness grows, researchers and advocates are calling for stricter regulations and safer alternatives to protect public health from the dangers of PFAS and microplastic contamination.