What is PFAS? 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 cooking pans with a non-stick coating, and is feared for its potential toxicity associated with cancers 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 cooking brands.

Let us explain to you exactly what this substance is, how it originated, and more importantly: how you can prevent contact with this dangerous substance.

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

How did the toxic PFAS substance originate?

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

How is PFAS toxic?

PFAS chemicals are perhaps best known for their use in non-stick cookware. The Teflon brand 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 – and therefore also 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 dish. You unknowingly ingest this substance during dinner with your loved ones. Something you'd rather not think about, but it's important to consider.

Health experts are concerned about these persistent chemical substances that exhibit two characteristics: The substances are bio accumulative, which means that they accumulate in living tissue, and are toxic, which means that they harm living organisms such as humans, animals and plants.

The American government has conducted extensive research into this and what turned out: the toxic substance PFAS and PFOS which is in the non-stick coating of cooking pans, was present in more than 98% (!) of Americans! Large and numerous studies in heavily exposed populations have linked these substances to health effects, including ulcerative colitis, a diagnosed high cholesterol level, thyroid diseases, testicular cancer, kidney cancer, and pregnancy-induced high blood pressure. Time for change, and it's here!

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 easily recyclable and do not harm the environment. All pans from Cook and Pan are equipped with a ceramic non-stick coating that is guaranteed to be 100% free of PFAS. So you can enjoy the convenient advantages that a qualitative non-stick coating brings with PFAS free pans without worrying about toxic substances in your food!

At Cook and Pan, you purchase a sustainable and healthy frying pan, wok pan or casserole pan for the same price as a pan with a toxic non-stick coating. Then the choice is quickly made, choose healthy!

If you have any questions about different non-stick coatings or just want to say hello? You can do so via mail@cookandpan.com