Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances – better known as PFAS – are a type of human-made chemicals that are found in a wide range of consumer and industrial products. They don’t break down in the environment or in the human body, so they are often called forever chemicals. They can contaminate drinking water sources and can get into the food supply. PFAS chemicals have been linked to low birth weight, birth defects and developmental delays in infants, and an increased risk of some prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers. PFAS can be found in the blood of almost every person in the United States.
PFAS chemicals are used in some food packaging, dental floss, and nonstick cookware. Some states have taken action against the use of the chemicals. Minnesota has a law that prohibits PFAS in cookware and 10 other types of products. Several other states including New York, Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, and Maine have passed laws banning specific uses of PFAS.
California has passed a bill that would phase out the use of PFAS for a range of products including nonstick cookware and celebrity chefs are joining forces to defend the use of the chemicals in pots and pans. These include Rachael Ray, Marcus Samuelsson, and David Chang. All of them endorse cookware products.
The chefs say that nonstick cookware using PFAS coatings are safe when used responsibly and that eliminating the use of the coatings would be a serious loss to restaurants and home cooks. Opponents say that PFAS can end up in food when nonstick cookware overheats, is scratched or otherwise degrades. In any case, manufacturing products containing PFAS causes significant pollution.
**********
Web Links
California Wants to Ban ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Pans. These Chefs Say Don’t Do It.
Photo, posted January 31, 2018, courtesy of Quiet Hut via Flickr.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio