Research on the toxicity of Nonstick and Aluminum Cookware

Both PFAS-coated cookware and aluminum cookware present significant health risks, particularly due to the leaching of harmful substances. PFAS, commonly found in non-stick cookware like Teflon and Coated "Ceramic" and "Granite" (not actually made from ceramic or granite but are coated with a textured or colored PFAS coating), are linked to various cancers, and overheating these products can lead to "Teflon flu," resulting in serious symptoms. Meanwhile, aluminum cookware leaches dangerous metals like lead and cadmium, especially in developing countries, raising public health concerns due to excessive exposure. Studies also connect aluminum exposure to neurodegenerative diseases, emphasizing the urgent need for more research. Check out the full articles below to dive deeper into these critical issues and understand the implications that the wrong type of cookware could have on you and your family's health.

Research on PFAS coatings - Nonstick/Teflon/Coated Ceramic and Coated Granite

1. This article provides a detailed overview of research by the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG) at the National Cancer Institute on the link between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and cancer. PFAS, including PFOA and PFOS, are associated with various cancers like kidney, testicular, breast, and prostate cancer. Studies focus on serum concentrations in diverse populations and explore occupational and environmental exposures, including contaminated water. The research aims to understand PFAS’s carcinogenicity, especially in vulnerable groups.

Link: https://dceg.cancer.gov/research/what-we-study/pfas

2. This article explains "Teflon flu," or polymer fume fever, caused by inhaling fumes from overheated Teflon-coated cookware. This flu-like illness produces symptoms like fever, headache, and muscle aches within 6-12 hours of exposure. The risk increases when Teflon pans are used at temperatures over 500°F or if the cookware is scratched. Long-term PFAS exposure from Teflon is linked to more serious health risks like cancer and thyroid issues. Preventive measures include not overheating pans and using proper ventilation.

Link: https://thewell.northwell.edu/healthy-living-fitness/teflon-flu

3. This article explains how PTFE, used in non-stick cookware, prevents food from sticking and makes cleaning easier. However, at normal cooking temperatures, it releases gases and chemicals that can be mildly to severely toxic. PFOA, a known environmental pollutant, is used in PTFE synthesis and has been found in emissions from cookware. While PFOA has been replaced by chemicals like GenX, these alternatives may have similar toxicity. More research is needed on PTFE, PFOA, and their substitutes.

Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11356-017-0095-y

4. The CDC's ATSDR webpage on PFAS health effects provides an overview of the potential health risks associated with exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). It details various health concerns linked to PFAS, including increased risks of certain cancers, reproductive and developmental issues, immune system impacts, and hormonal disruptions. The page discusses exposure pathways, emphasizing how PFAS can enter the body and the environments they are commonly found in. Additionally, it highlights the need for ongoing research to better understand PFAS's health implications and offers guidance on minimizing exposure.

Link: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/index.html

5. The EPA's overview of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) outlines their widespread use, environmental persistence, and potential health risks. PFAS are a group of manufactured chemicals used since the 1940s, with some, like PFOA and PFOS, being more commonly studied and replaced due to health concerns. These substances can be found in drinking water, soil, air, food, and various household products, leading to potential exposure through contaminated sources. Research indicates that exposure to certain PFAS may result in adverse health effects, including reproductive issues, developmental delays in children, increased cancer risks, and compromised immune function. The document highlights the ongoing scientific investigation into PFAS toxicity, noting that certain populations, particularly industrial workers, pregnant women, and children, may experience higher exposure levels. It emphasizes the importance of continued research and public engagement in regulatory actions concerning PFAS.

Link: https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas

Research on Aluminum Cookware

 1. This review provides an overview of aluminum (Al) toxicosis, highlighting its pathological mechanisms and potential health impacts. It notes that aluminum can cause various disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, autism, osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, and inflammatory bowel disease. Upon exposure, aluminum interacts with cellular components, leading to oxidative stress and the production of reactive free radicals that damage proteins, lipids, and nucleotides. This disruption affects cellular homeostasis and viability, particularly in neurons, immune cells, and other specialized cells, resulting in cell death (apoptosis or necrosis) and degenerative changes. The review also discusses systemic effects, such as endocrine disruptions and altered hormonal sensitivities. It emphasizes the need for further research to explore the co-morbidities associated with aluminum exposure and the therapeutic potential of antioxidants and chelating agents to mitigate its toxic effects. Future studies may enhance understanding of aluminum’s role in metabolic and cognitive disorders and aid in developing targeted interventions.

Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7071840/

2. This study investigates metal leaching from aluminum cookware collected from ten developing countries, revealing a significant public health risk. The researchers analyzed 42 samples from countries including Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam, focusing on the leaching of aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, and lead during simulated cooking. Findings indicated that the average aluminum exposure per serving was 125 mg, which exceeds the World Health Organization's recommended limit of 20 mg per day for adults. Notably, lead leaching was particularly concerning, with simulated cooking releasing between 1 to 1,426 micrograms of lead per serving from various cookware items. The study concludes that inexpensive, locally manufactured aluminum cookware poses an unrecognized risk of heavy metal exposure, which may have serious health implications in developing countries like Sri Lanka where such products are commonly used.

Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969716324548

3. This review examines the production, usage, and potential public health effects of aluminum cookware, emphasizing the health risks associated with aluminum ingestion from food containers. Aluminum's favorable properties—such as malleability, heat conductivity, lightweight nature, durability, and cost-effectiveness—contribute to its widespread use in cookware. The paper synthesizes literature on both the benefits and risks associated with various aluminum cookware types, particularly focusing on leaching of harmful substances, including heavy metals like nickel, arsenic, copper, cadmium, lead, and aluminum, into food. In developing countries, where aluminum cookware is often made from scrap metals, the rate of metal leaching is heightened by several factors. The authors highlight that exposure to these metals and their health impacts have not been sufficiently studied, calling for further research to better understand the health effects of aluminum cookware. Additionally, the review suggests measures to mitigate exposure risks associated with using aluminum cookware.

Link: https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/ast-2020-0003

4. This study investigates the long-term toxicity associated with the use of aluminum cookware by assessing its effects on genetic material and reproductive health in mice. Researchers examined boiled water from new, 3-year-old, and 6-year-old aluminum pots, analyzing heavy metal content and conducting tests for cytogenotoxic effects. Findings revealed that the older pots leached higher concentrations of metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and aluminum (Al). Mice consuming this boiled water showed significant increases in abnormal sperm cells and a decrease in total sperm count, both of which were dependent on the age of the cookware. Additionally, exposure led to a rise in micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes in the bone marrow and elevated liver enzymes, indicating liver damage and oxidative stress. The study highlights that prolonged use of aluminum cookware poses significant risks, particularly as the cookware ages, calling for urgent toxicological investigations to better understand the public health implications of this common practice, especially in developing countries like Sri Lanka where such cookware is prevalent.

Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1383571820301674