Today is National Teflon Day
There’s really not much to celebrate when it comes to Teflon. The chemicals used to make Teflon make our water undrinkable, our bodies sick, and our environment polluted.
Teflon is everywhere: in your dental floss, coating non-stick pans, and part of your fabric protection (Gor-Tex).
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), toxic fumes from the Teflon chemical released from pots and pans at high temperatures may kill pet birds. The fumes have also caused flu-like symptoms in humans. If a Teflon pan is overheated the coating can begin to break down and toxic particles and gases can be released into the air that we breathe.
So today, in honor of the invention of Teflon, I’m asking you to toss your Teflon coated frying pans and find a safer dental floss.
3 Great Alternatives to Teflon Pans
Most of my Teflon pots and pans are slowly making their way out of my kitchen and are being replaced with safer alternatives.
There are plenty of great options out there when making the switch to safer pans.
Lodge Cast Iron
If you’re willing to go back to the cookware that your grandparents probably used a cast iron pan, known for its durability and even heat distribution, is the way to go. As much as I love cast iron it can be very heavy and hard to lift. It also requires seasoning after each use.
My favorite cast iron pan is this Lodge 12 inch Cast Iron Skillet.
Ozeri Green Earth
Unlike other ceramic cookware brands, the Ozeri Green Earth Frying Pan utilizes GREBLON ceramic – an ultra-safe ceramic coating from Germany which is 100% PTFE, PFOA, APEO, NMP and NEP Free (no controversial chemicals are used). Even under high temperatures, this pan is safe. Harmful substances are never passed on or released into the environment. The exterior of the pan is made of durable heavy-gauge die-cast aluminum with no heavy metals or harmful chemicals.
Enamel Cast Iron From Le Creuset
I’m in love with this Le Creuset Signature Iron Handle Skillet. You know how much I love cast iron. This is the best of both worlds. No seasoning required with this pan. The interior surface of this Le Creuset skillet is finished with a black enamel that eliminates the need for traditional seasoning. This enamel is formulated for high-temperature cooking, which is ideal for searing, sauteing and frying. They are also easier to clean.
There’s More You Can Do
According to Safer States, states need to do more to prevent the flow of harmful chemicals from the production of Teflon into our communities and waterways.
Prevention is just one part of the solution. Taxpayers are being asked to foot the bill for what could amount to billions of dollars in clean up and health costs. Communities with contaminated drinking water still face huge costs to deliver what many of us take for granted – safe drinking water. Firefighters, whose leading cause of death is cancer, face rising health costs. This is unacceptable.
It’s time for states to demand that the polluters who created this mess pay to clean it up. It’s time to hold the chemical makers accountable and make them pay to clean up PFAS contamination.
For information on how to get involved look HERE.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive list of healthy pots and pans take a look at my suggestions HERE.
HERE are a few more of my favorite non-toxic cookware brands.
Do you have a favorite non-toxic pan?
Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may get a small commission if you make a purchase. I was not paid to promote these products, I just happen to like them. Thanks for your support!