April 23, 2025

Dangers of PFAS in non-stick pans: What you need to know

April 23, 2025

The invisible pollutants in your kitchen

Non-stick pans have revolutionized modern cooking: they are practical, easy to clean and perfect for cooking without fat.
🍳 But did you know that they can contain PFAS , chemicals that are dangerous for health and the environment?

Nicknamed “eternal pollutants” , these compounds degrade very slowly and accumulate in our bodies.
👉 In this article, discover what PFAS are, why they represent a danger, and how to avoid them to adopt a truly healthy diet.

1. What are PFAS?

PFAS ( per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances ) are a family of over 4,700 synthetic chemical compounds used since the 1950s.
They give the products certain properties:

🧈 non-stick ,
💧 water repellent ,
🔥 Heat and grease resistant .

That's why they are found in:

non-stick pan coatings ,
food packaging,
certain textiles or cosmetic products.

⚠️ Problem: these substances almost never degrade in nature, hence their nickname of “eternal pollutants” .
They accumulate in water, soil, animals… and inevitably in our bodies.

2. How do PFAS get released in non-stick pans?

The PFAS incorporated into non-stick coatings such as PTFE (Teflon) are not completely stable.
They can gradually become more liberated in several everyday situations:

🔥 High temperature : above 260°C , the PTFE coating degrades and emits toxic fumes.
🔪 Scratches or wear : every stroke of a metal spatula can release invisible microparticles of PFAS into your food.
🍲 Repeated cooking : over time, the coating deteriorates and becomes a cumulative health risk .

💡 Concrete example: a pan left empty on the stove often reaches 300 to 350°C in a few minutes, releasing potentially harmful volatile substances.

To learn more about this topic, see Non-stick pans: why are they a danger? .

3. The health risks of PFAS

PFAS accumulate in the human body and can remain there for years.
Numerous international studies have demonstrated a link between prolonged exposure to these substances and serious health problems:

Health risk	Description
🎗️ Cancers	Increased risk of kidney, liver, and testicular cancer
⚖️ Hormonal imbalances	Effects on the thyroid and endocrine system
🧬 Fertility problems	Reduced sperm quality and pregnancy complications
🩸 High cholesterol	Correlation between PFAS exposure and hypercholesterolemia
🦠 Weakened immune system	Decreased vaccine response and natural defenses

👉 Verdict: PFAS are not harmless.
Even at very low doses, their effects accumulate over time , hence the need to avoid them as much as possible.

4. The dangers of PFAS to the environment

PFAS never truly disappear. Once released, they spread and cause lasting contamination of ecosystems.

🌍 Main sources of pollution:

💧 Drinking water : in several regions of Europe, groundwater contamination by PFAS is observed.
🐟 The food chain : fish, seafood, vegetables and meats can contain traces of PFAS absorbed from their environment.
🌱 Agricultural soils : they retain PFAS for decades, polluting crops permanently.

These substances are now recognized as a global health and environmental issue , just like plastic.

To understand why they are so persistent, see Why a stainless steel pan is an eco-friendly and responsible choice .

5. How to avoid pans containing PFAS?

Good news: there are healthy and sustainable alternatives .
Here are the main options to prioritize 👇

✅ Stainless steel pans

0% chemical coating.
Excellent heat resistance.
Exceptional durability (up to 30 years and more).
Precise and even cooking.

SAINE pans are made of food-grade 18/10 stainless steel , guaranteeing no migration of heavy metals (supported by LFGB tests).
They allow for natural cooking, without the risk of releasing harmful substances.

Discover our collection of HEALTHY stainless steel pans :

✅ Natural cast iron pans

Without chemical coating.
Perfect for simmering, searing and roasting.
They require regular seasoning to maintain their natural non-stick properties.

⚠️ Be careful with ceramic pans

Some brands still use fluorinated binders similar to PFAS.
Always check that the pan is certified free of PFAS and PTFE before purchasing.

6. Why choose a HEALTHY stainless steel pan?

At SAINE , we have chosen stainless steel to offer healthy, efficient and durable kitchens .
Our pans are the result of a demanding design process, combining health, quality and ecology.

The advantages of HEALTHY stoves

💚 100% stainless steel : PFAS-free, PTFE-free, no coating whatsoever.
🔥 High performance : multi-layer base for even cooking.
♻️ Durable : designed to last a lifetime.
✅ Safe : tested according to LFGB standards, guaranteeing zero metal migration.

For more information on the composition of our products, read The dangers of stainless steel pans.

Conclusion

The PFAS present in non-stick pans represent a real risk to health and the environment.
🔥 When they heat up or wear out, these pans release toxic substances that accumulate in the body and contaminate the planet.

On the other hand, SAINE stainless steel pans offer a reliable alternative:

without chemical coating,
safe,
and thoughts to last a lifetime.

🌿 Cook healthily, sustainably, and with confidence with SAINE pans, available here: SAINE stainless steel pans