Today, most people opt for non-stick pots and pans when purchasing cookware. Unfortunately, non-stick pans are treated with a liquid paint called polytetrafluoroethlyene (PTFE). While the U.S FDA claims that this coating is acceptable for conventional kitchen use, research suggests there are inherent toxins found in non-stick cookware.
According to a study performed by the Environmental Working Group, when non-stick pans are heated to high temperatures, they release toxic gases, pollutants, carcinogens, and lethal chemicals. The use of Teflon and its counterparts have been linked to birth defects, cancer and organ damage in lab rats, and is literally in the blood of most Americans.
The President of the Environmental Working Group stated “It is found everywhere from babies in the womb to whales in the ocean. And beyond that, it is indestructible in the environment. It lasts forever." Clearly, the convenience of a non-stick pan has a price that none should be willing to pay.
Luckily, there are several contenders in the eco-friendly cookware category that are perfect for the environmentalist in you. The most popular choice is stainless steel, being affordable, lightweight, and durable. The inside of the cookware must be marked with the term “surgical stainless steel” or 18/10 (meaning 18% chromium and 10% nickel). This label ensures that the product will maintain its strength, resistance to corrosion, and sheen.
On its own, stainless steel is not the best conductor of heat. This is why pans will often have hot spots, causing uneven cooking. If you can afford it, it is best to purchase steel products that are made with copper bottoms, as copper is an effective conductor of heat, and is easy to control in terms of temperature.
Cast iron is another excellent choice, and when seasoned properly, it is better than any non-stick pan on the market. In addition, cooking with cast iron releases healthy trace amounts of iron into your food, instead of flakes of toxic PTFE found in non -stick pans. The only real drawback to cast iron is the heavy weight of the pans. Persons suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome would certainly not appreciate trying to lift a pan of nearly 8 pounds.
Another great alternative to non-stick cookware is glass. It can be heated to high temperatures, is easy to clean, and since you can see through it, you can watch your food cooking. Provided the glass is clear, undecorated, and has no pigments what so ever, it is a safe choice. However, any pigmentation in the glass is usually caused by lead or cadmium, and both are extremely harmful when ingested.
Though there are price variations for eco-friendly cookware, it isn’t as bad as you may think. Purchasing a non-stick pan might be cheaper initially, but how many times do you have to replace it over the course of your life? The beauty of cookware like cast iron, stainless steel, and glass is that, if properly cared for, it can last you a life time. You could actually be willing these items to your children, and what is more environmentally friendly than that?
References:
- Jane Houlihan, Kris Thayer, and Jennifer Klein, Canaries in the Kitchen: Teflon Toxicosis, May 2003, www.ewg.org/reports/toxicteflon
- Health Canada, The Safe Use of Cookware, November 2009, hc-sc.gc.cs
- Brian Ross, Government Moves to Curb Use of Chemical in Teflon, January 2006, abcnews.go.com
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