Non-stick pans are common in households because of their ease when cooking and the material used on the surface which allows for the use of less oil when frying.
However, most non-stick pans are coated with polytetrafluoroethylene, also known as Teflon, which can be toxic when the coating flakes off and is ingested.
Many non-stick companies stopped using polytetrafluoroethylene in the manufacture of pans in 2013 but there are some pans that still contain toxic chemicals including those manufactured before the year.
Generally, Teflon has been proven to be a safe and stable compound unless exposed to temperatures above 260°C.
High temperatures cause the Teflon coatings on non-stick cookware to start breaking down, releasing toxic chemicals into the air.
When inhaled, one can get side effects including difficulty in breathing and sicknesses associated with lung damage.
There are, however, Teflon-free alternatives that can be used in the kitchen for cooking including stainless steel pans, stoneware, ceramic cookware and silicone cookware.
These materials have non-stick properties when well-seasoned and are not coated with Teflon components.
Here are a few ways to minimise the risk of using non-stick pots and pans in your kitchen
Avoiding cooking using high heat
When using a non-stick pan, cook on medium or low heat. Cooking on high heat is one of the surest ways of exposing yourself to toxic Teflon fumes.
Don't preheat an empty non-stick pan.
Empty pans can reach high temperatures within minutes, potentially causing the release of polymer fumes.
Make sure you have some food or liquid in pots and pans before putting them on the fire.
Ventilate your Kitchen
When cooking using non-stick pans and pots, ensure the kitchen is well-ventilated. Open the windows to clear the fumes.
Use alternative utensils.
Using metal utensils can lead to scratches on the non-stick surface, reducing the life of your cookware.
Instead, use wooden, silicone, or plastic utensils, which are more gentle on non-stick pans.
Do not wash with steel wool
Instead of scrubbing the pots with steel wool, use soft sponges and soap.
At the end of the day, Teflon cookware is a convenient way to cook your food and save cooking oil if the right measures are taken. Don’t forget to replace your old and worn-out cooking ware.
