You have a wonderful assortment of organic, local vegetables that you are ready to cook. You pour a little olive oil into your non-stick pan and saute your veggies. What do you get? Delicious sauteed veggies with a side of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Wait, what?
What is PFOA?
Non Stick Cookware
PFOA is the chemical used to make the non-stick coating on cookware (pots, pans, muffin tins, baking sheets, etc.) and electric cooking appliances (griddles, indoor grills, sandwich makers, etc.). Products with Teflon can contain levels of the chemical or similar chemicals. PFOA is widely used in other products such as carpet, fast food wrappers, stain-resistant clothing, and in water repellents for fabric and upholstery.
We are exposed to PFOA through drinking water, air, dust, food packaging, breast milk, umbilical cord blood, and microwave popcorn. When non-stick cookware is exposed to high heat, the chemical gets into the air and there can be a risk of PFOA exposure.
Why Does PFOA Pose a Risk to Your Health?
PFOA is a synthetic and very persistent chemical that does not occur naturally in the environment. It is found in low levels in the blood of the general US population, including newborn infants. The chemical remains in people for a very long time and according to the US Environmental Protection Agency, "causes developmental and other adverse effects in laboratory animals."
Many animal and human studies over the years have shown that PFOA may cause a multitude of health concerns. These include, low birth rates, developmental delays, various forms of cancer, tumors, and liver toxicity. However, even with all these studies, the makers of PFOA maintain that the chemical is safe for humans and there is no reason for concern.
PFOA Study on Children
A recent 2010 study from the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center studied 12,476 children and teens.The study found PFOA and a related chemical, perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), at higher levels than expected. In addition, the children and teens were more likely to have elevated total and LDL cholesterol levels. While the study does not definitively prove a causal effect between PFOA and elevated cholesterol levels, the results should be enough to make any parent think twice about the chemical.
What Should You Do to Limit PFOA Exposure?
It is impossible to completely avoid PFOA exposure since it is found everywhere. When possible, avoid clothing, fabrics, upholstery and furniture that is stain-resistant as the item likely contains PFOA. It is difficult to find alternatives, but more options are now available to concerned consumers.
Reduce exposure in the kitchen, by moving away from anything non-stick. Check your cupboards and cabinets for items like pots, pans, baking sheets, muffin tins, panini makers, and griddles. While aluminum cookware is inexpensive, there are other health risks associated with aluminum. Switching to cast iron or stainless steel cookware is your safest bet. Cast iron can last for hundreds of years and can be passed down from generation to generation. A well seasoned cast iron pan will also become virtually non-stick.
If you must use non-stick cookware or cannot afford new cookware at this time, make sure your cookware is not peeling or scratched. Make sure your kitchen area is well ventilated and avoid cooking your foods at high heat as this will lower your risk of PFOA exposure.
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Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick 10- and 12-Inch Omelet Pans, Set of 2 Feature
- Set of 2 omelet pans in 10-inch and 12-inch sizes
- Heavy-gauge, hard-anodized aluminum construction with nonstick interior
- Riveted handles stay cool to the touch for a secure hold
- Oven-safe up to 450 degrees F; hand wash
- Limited lifetime warranty
Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick 10- and 12-Inch Omelet Pans, Set of 2 Overview
The 10 Inch and 12 Inch Omelettes are a perfect addition to every home. Two of the most used pans in any well-equipped kitchen. Omelettes have sloped sides so that foods slide out easily. Used for cooking omelets, pancakes, quesadillas, sautéing vegetables, searing steaks, fish and poultry. The nonstick surface make clean up effortless. Brushed stainless steel stay cool handles. Pans are oven safe up to 450 F.Available In Stock. |
