What is PFAS? Pots and pans without PFAS.

What is PFAS?

PFAS is an abbreviation for a family of chemical substances called poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances. This substance is often used in frying pans with a non-stick coating and is feared for its potential toxicity, which is linked to types of cancer and other harmful effects. There is a chance that this substance is also present in your frying pan with a non-stick coating. Frying pans with a toxic non-stick coating have been mass-produced and sold for decades by major cookware brands.

We would like to explain exactly what this substance is, how it came about, and more importantly: how you can avoid contact with this dangerous substance.  

The safe frying pan Signature (PFAS free) from Cook and Pan

How did the toxic PFAS substance come about?

These chemical substances are synthetic and do not occur naturally in the environment. They were originally discovered in 1938 when a chemist working on refrigerants accidentally created a slippery, white substance that later led to the creation of the Teflon brand for non-stick pans and pots. It is likely you have heard of Teflon; they have produced and applied many (toxic) non-stick coatings in frying pans and casserole pots from major brands, for example Tefal.

How is PFAS toxic?

PFAS chemicals are perhaps best known for their use in non-stick cookware. The brand Teflon caused a revolution in these products. The use of PFAS is widespread across many brands of cookware with a non-stick coating.

As a result, many people worldwide – including in the Netherlands – have bought pans with this harmful non-stick coating. During cooking, these chemical substances can be released and end up in your food. You unknowingly ingest this substance during dinner with your loved ones. Something you’d rather not think about, but it is important to be aware of.

Health experts are concerned about these persistent chemical substances which have two characteristics: The substances are bioaccumulative, meaning they build up in living tissue, and they are toxic, meaning they harm living organisms such as humans, animals, and plants.

The US government has conducted extensive research on this and found that the toxic substances PFAS and PFOS, which are in the non-stick coating of cookware, were present in more than 98% (!) of Americans! Large and numerous studies in highly exposed populations have linked these substances to health effects including ulcerative colitis, diagnosed high cholesterol, thyroid disorders, testicular cancer, kidney cancer, and pregnancy-induced high blood pressure. Time for change, and that change is here!

Pots and pans free of PFAS

Fortunately, there is a solution! Pans without a toxic non-stick coating so you can cook safely. These pans are also well recyclable and do not harm the environment. All pots and pans from Cook and Pan have a ceramic non-stick coating that is guaranteed 100% free of PFAS. So with PFAS free pans you can enjoy the handy benefits of a quality non-stick coating without worrying about toxic substances in your food!

At Cook and Pan you buy a sustainable and healthy frying pan, wok pan or casserole pot for the same price as a pan with a toxic non-stick coating. The choice is easy, choose healthy!

If you have questions about different non-stick coatings or just want to say hello, you can reach us at mail@cookandpan.com