Is It Safe To Use Nonstick Pans?

You Should Know: There’s no doubt about it — nonstick pans make it easier to whip up eggs or pancakes for breakfast. But convenient cleanup comes with a catch, or at least it used to. Many home cooks still feel uneasy after years of mixed messages about the health effects of Teflon.

Going Deeper: First developed in the 1930s, Teflon (PTFE) was long produced using a chemical known as PFOA. It raised serious health concerns when researchers realized it was showing up in people’s blood, so the EPA worked with cookware companies to phase out PFOA by 2015. The nonstick pans of today are now much safer.  

The Takeaway: While PFOA is no longer used in the production of new pans, scientists are now looking at another group of chemicals still used called PFAS. Early research suggests these substances may linger in the environment, though their health effects aren’t yet clear. The good news is that Teflon cookware remains safe for everyday use when kept below 500°F. And if tiny flakes ever make their way into your food, they’ll simply pass through the body without causing harm.

Bottom Line: Nonstick cookware made after 2015 is considered safe. If you’re still uneasy, ceramic or cast-iron are solid alternatives.