The Nonstick Coating Debate

The nonstick debate is back to the forefront again, following the EPA’s recent announcement. The real question is, should we be worried about our nonstick cookware?

Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) took another step in the ongoing research and study into the potential risks of Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), by writing to certain manufacturers and inviting them to commit to a new global stewardship program.

The goal of this program, is to reduce by 95%, emissions and levels of PFOA and other chemicals in products by the year 2010, and to work towards elimination of sources of exposure by the year 2015.

These manufacturers have been asked to confirm by March 1st, 2006, their commitment to participate in this new program. Year 2000 will be considered the base year with which to measure reductions, and annual progress reports will be required.

PFOA chemicals can be found in the manufacturing of many products, from the process involved in certain nonstick coatings, to water repellent and stain resistant products. Research studies have been ongoing for many years, and so far, studies have been inconclusive relating to health risks to humans.

Cookware manufacturers have worked diligently to ensure that their nonstick cookware products are free from harmful effects, before they reach the consumer. There are many different formulations involved in the making of nonstick products, and some nonstick-like coatings may not involve any of these related chemicals in their production, such as anodized cookware which involves an oxidation process.

This EPA program certainly is a very important step in furthering the research towards identifying sources and risks of exposure to these chemicals. For now, the debate rages on. Is our nonstick cookware still safe to use? Product standards have been in place for several years, so I'll wait until all the facts are out before passing judgement on nonstick cookware.

In the absence of hard evidence, you have to decide for yourself, and you may want to research this further before forming conclusions. I would expect that cookware manufacturers will take notice of this latest announcement and be quick to provide some assurance to consumers.

Meyer U.S. provides a very good article on what Teflon® is, and why Teflon cookware is safe for consumers in Learn More About Cookware with Teflon®