Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Why I Don't Like Nonstick Cookware

I want to take a break from writing about the Pacific Coast and focus on cookware, specifically no-stick.

A few years ago, new pots and pans with a special coating changed the history of sales of cookware.

Customers were so excited about trying out the at-the-time best non stick cookware due to its claims that it is easily cleaned and cooking with those pots and pans uses less oil and butter. Most cooks love this cookware that they prefer to use it in almost every meal possible. What most of us don’t know is that we are unknowingly exposing ourselves to hidden dangers. And the release of that news caused the sales of non stick pots and pans to drop slowly due to numerous health concerns about possible toxic and chemical emissions. Here are a few reasons why I don’t like non stick pots and pans.

Non Stick Coating Does Not Last Long

Most customers buy these pots and pans because of its non stick coating. But after a few months, users can observe the brittleness and weakness of the coating material. The coating is very prone to scratches. The slightest scratch can start the wreckage of the coating in the whole material. This cookware needs careful handling and maintenance in order to last for some time.

Non Stick Coating Requires Special Cooking Utensils


As mentioned, the coating of non stick pots and pans are easily broken upon the slightest scratch. And because of that, special cooking utensils are made for non stick pots and pans to avoid ruining of the coating. Many people will opt for good quality ceramic cookware.

Non Stick Pots and Pans Are Costly


This might be helpful for anyone to cook easily. But that help comes with a great price. Non stick pots and pans are very costly and impractical if you are an average family. The pots and pans itself are expensive, just think about its maintenance and additional requirements just for it to last longer in your kitchen, especially when you can purchase the best stainless steel cookware in 2014 for a good price.

Non Stick Coating of Pots and Pans Releases Carcinogenic Fumes


At normal conditions, non stick pot and pans are safe. But upon heating, the coating that is responsible for the non stick ability of the pots and pans begins to break down. This occurrence is not observed with the naked eye. Break down occurs in the molecular level so it seems normal during cooking. The molecular break down of the coating releases toxic particles and gases that mostly are carcinogenic.

Non stick pans are generally made up of set of compounds that come off when the pots and pans are being heated high enough for the compounds to decompose. Most compounds contain fluorine which is generally toxic. The coating system of non stick pots and pans are made up of fluoropolymers, so you should see how potentially dangerous it is.

To be more specific, the coating is made up of a carcinogenic material known as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Upon heating, this chemical agent releases toxic fumes that you inhale every time you cook using the non stick pots and pans. You might not even be aware that you are inhaling the fumes because it is odourless. For you to fully understand how dangerous the fumes are; the fumes of PFOA are one of the primary reagents of the World War II’s nerve gas phosgene which caused severe injuries and even death to so many individuals.

PFOA has been associated with different types of cancer. It can also cause flu-like disease caused by inhaling the fumes. Preganat women are more likely to suffer to its unexpected effects. It has been tested to animals and caused poisoning of the birds and other animals.

Manufacturers and inventor of non stick pots and pans suggest that the maximum cooking temperature for this cookware is only up to 500oF. And so, a study was made to know how easy non stick pots and pans reach the temperature limit. And you would be surprised to know that non stick pots and pans get heated very easily using even normal home burners. You might not be aware that you have reached above the maximum temperature already. And that can result to dangerous effects.

Moreover, the molecules of the fumes stay within a person’s body for years. It runs in the blood, and some are stored in tissues and organs as well. Just think about how much you are exposed to those dangerous substances. The more you use non stick pots and pans, the more you expose yourself. And that makes you more prone to getting some health problems in the near future. You might be diagnosed with a different source of your condition, but you have to keep in mind that risks that you exposed yourself. And those are the reasons why you shouldn’t like non stick pots and pans.