In the past, Teflon coatings were one of the most popular options when it came to non-stick coatings; as a result, it’s perhaps unsurprising that so many people invested in this unique material for their cookware. However, concerns were raised when it came to light that Teflon non-stick cookware coatings were potentially causing illness and harm, making them much more concerning for many people. In line with this thought, today, we’re looking at whether Teflon coatings today are safe to use.

What is Teflon?

Before we go any further, we should first consider what Teflon actually is. Teflon is an artificial product manufactured by Chemours that’s designed for use as a non-stick coating. The material was historically made from potentially toxic materials; however, in the modern day, the manufacturers claim that it is an inert material that is non-toxic and should not cause health consequences, even if ingested - provided that the product is used as intended.

Are Teflon Coatings Safe to Use?

Whereas Teflon coatings previously contained harmful chemicals that made them potentially unsafe to consume, modern Teflon coatings are made to be inert and non-toxic. However, it is important to keep in mind here that Teflon may not always be safe to use in cooking as a non-stick coating if the manufacturer’s instructions are not followed.

Specifically, the manufacturers states that Teflon nonstick cookware should not be used in cases where the coating is likely to reach excessively high temperatures of over 260 degrees Celsius, such as in the case of broiling. This is likely due to the potential for the coating to begin to deteriorate at such high temperatures, which increases the potential for toxicity and complications as a result. Accordingly, while Teflon coatings should theoretically be safe to use, there are still situations in which using a Teflon-coated product may be dangerous.

Of course, the aforementioned points refer specifically to new Teflon cookware produced to modern standards. However, if you have an old Teflon pan or are looking to purchase one second-hand that was made using PFOAs, this could pose a risk to the environment and your health.

Are There Alternatives to Teflon?

Although PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) is now manufactured with different PFAS compounds following ecological and health concerns regarding the use of PFOAs, there are also alternatives to Teflon you could consider. These include ceramic, enamel, PES coatings, and the like. These may not be quite as low-friction as Teflon, but they can provide an inert and safe coating for use in cookware and the like.

Final Thoughts

Teflon might have been popular back in the day, but unfortunately, it wasn’t necessarily safe - leading to a great deal of concern regarding its suitability as a material. Fortunately, there are now many other alternative coatings that you could consider for this decision, and keeping this in mind may help you decide whether or not to invest in Teflon cookware for your kitchen or product range.

Remember: while modern Teflon is not banned and may be safe to use, it’s important to consider that it should not be used at high temperatures, as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. Or, why not consider an alternative, such as PES; contact us by email at office@polima.com.cn for further ideas.