Non-Stick Coating Safety

Non-stick coatings are used in applications that require lubrication or hydrophobic surfaces. Non-stick chemicals can form the basis for lubricants, surfaces on various substrates, or coatings on materials. One of the beneficial characteristics of non-stick coatings is the fact that they generally have very low coefficients of friction, measured at about 0.1 or less. This low coefficient means the material will not exhibit the effects of friction, leading to the name “non-stick.”

There are several chemicals that make non-stick coatings, including polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE), perfluoroalkoxy, and fluorinated ethylene propylene (Teflon FEP), all manufactured and trademarked by DuPont.  

While none of the materials in non-stick coatings are toxic, non-stick manufacturing and non-stick use can cause health problems. Byproducts of non-stick manufacturing can be toxic and pose risks to workers if not adequately taken care of, and overheated non-stick materials can release toxic fumes. It is important to handle these coatings with care during both procedures.

Dangers of Manufacturing Non-Stick

The manufacture of many non-stick coatings involves the use of hazardous chemicals and procedures. For instance, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a chemical compound that is used in the manufacture of PTFE as well as other products, such as packaging, clothing and carpeting. Unfortunately, it has been labeled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a carcinogen. PFOA is not involved in the chemical makeup of non-stick coatings, only in production. However, because of its use during production it can cause health problems to workers in factories. Additionally, manufacturers have found no adequate substitute to the use of PFOA and, as such, continue to use it despite these findings. In a pursuit to make non-stick coating manufacturing safer, industry officials have made pledges to limit the use of PFOA and eventually phase it out of all production methods by 2015.

Dangers of Using Non-Stick

Non-stick coatings are often used for cooking surfaces because they have hydrophobic properties as well as heat resistance. This makes it easy to cook oils and foods because the surface will conduct heat to the food without ruining the coating. However, coatings are not completely impervious to heating and can undergo pyrolysis if heated above 260 degrees Celsius (500 degrees Fahrenheit). This means the structural and chemical integrity of the coating will begin to dissolve if this heat is reached. Heats beyond this temperature will cause severe degradation in these products and cause problems for living creatures nearby. For instance, degradation of non-stick coatings due to heat can cause fumes that will kill birds and cause flu symptoms in people.

However, there is rarely any need to heat non-stick cooking utensils past 230 degrees Celsius because meat and other food items will cook at or below that temperature. If heated beyond that level, though, non-stick coatings can produce toxic fumes, but only in small amount. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration conducted a study in 1959 showing the toxicity of nonstick coating fumes was less than that of most ordinary cooking oils.