After you’ve taken the care to make a delicious and healthy meal at home, the last thing you want to find out is that your cookware left something harmful in your food. (Did you ever fear those nonstick pans were too good to be true?) Most non-stick cookware uses polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The EPA released a draft risk assessment on perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which is used in the production of PTFE, stating that it was “likely to be carcinogenic.” The Environmental Working Group has linked the use of PTFE pans to domestic bird deaths and cases of polymer fume fever in humans. Though the EPA is phasing out some of the worse chemicals associated with the non-stick, who’s to know if the alternatives are any better. The good news, however, is that the best pots and pans seem to be the old classics: ones that can be had for dimes at garage sales like cast iron pans or glass baking dishes. There is also debate about the safety of aluminum pans especially when used with acidic foods. TAKE ACTION • Look for pots and pans made from cast iron, stainless steel, ceramic, glass, or lined copper. All of which are considered safe alternatives by most. • Avoid buying new pots and pans with conventional nonstick coatings and ditch any old pans where the coating is beginning to peel or wear. • Prioritize getting cookware that will be safe the way your family uses it. (Glass baking dishes are great for the dishwasher dependent and cast iron is great for those who want to be able to take their pan from stove to oven.) At MightyNest we sell pots and pans that are easy to maintain and are proven to be a healthier alternative.
