New York lawmakers are pushing to ban nonstick cookware containing Teflon, citing health risks associated with the chemical. Senate Bill S1767 seeks to prohibit the manufacture, sale, and use of cookware made with polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE), the main ingredient in Teflon.
Teflon is part of a broader class of chemicals known as PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” which do not break down in the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years. These chemicals are commonly used in nonstick coatings for pots, pans, and other kitchen items.
The bill would extend the ban to include a wide range of cooking products, from skillets and grills to utensils and appliances.
Health Concerns Linked to PFAS
The concern over PFAS in cookware has been raised by various health organizations. The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, chaired by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., recently highlighted the harmful effects of PFAS on children’s health. High levels of PFAS exposure have been linked to immune suppression, changes in cholesterol, and other health problems in children.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has noted that small amounts of PFAS can enter foods through packaging, processing, and cookware. The FDA is working to better understand the potential health risks posed by PFAS in food.
Industry Response
Steve Burns of the Cookware Sustainability Alliance, a nonprofit, has met with New York lawmakers to counter the proposed ban. Burns argues that the nonstick coating in cookware is the same material used in pacemakers and has been approved by the FDA for over 60 years. He maintains that Teflon is safe, stable, and non-toxic.
Emerging Concerns Over Teflon Microparticles
However, concerns about Teflon continue to grow. A 2022 study from Australian researchers found that even a small crack in a Teflon-coated pan could release thousands of plastic particles into food. These microparticles, along with the PFAS in Teflon, are raising alarms over potential health risks.
Other States Taking Action
New York is not the only state addressing the issue. Minnesota has already implemented a ban on nonstick cookware, while Rhode Island and Connecticut have plans to follow suit in the coming years.
As the debate continues, lawmakers and experts will weigh the potential risks and benefits of Teflon-coated cookware.
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