Why use PFOA-free cookware?
23 Aug 2022
What is PFOA?
PFOA, scientifically known as Perfluorooctanoic Acid, is a chemical compound that acts as an excellent heat diffuser and food lubricant, preventing food from sticking to the utensil we cook with.
Before being banned by the WHO in 2017, this chemical compound was present in all kitchen utensils.
What's the good thing about not having it in the kitchen?
In addition to the risks this compound poses to our immediate physical health, it has also been proven to emit toxic gases that end up in the environment, gradually increasing risks to human health and quality of life.
How to ensure that a utensil is PFOA-free?
- Discard any non-stick cookware you purchased prior to 2017.
- Check that your utensils were manufactured after 2017.
- Never buy second-hand kitchen utensils.
- Make sure your nonstick cookware comes from an established, trusted brand.
- Make sure you buy brands that guarantee they are PFOA-free.
- Contact the manufacturer to confirm that their cookware is, in fact, PFOA-free.
IMPORTANT!
People often confuse PTFE with PFOA.
PTFE is a polymer scientifically known as Polytetrafluoroethylene, better known as Teflon. This is a noble and very common material in the kitchen. If any of your utensils contain it, you have nothing to worry about; it's completely normal, and, so far, no emissions have been proven to cause harm to health or the environment.
While PFOA is just a chemical compound that was added to the common manufacture of PTFE (Teflon).