A non-stick pan is now commonly present in every Indian kitchen. It is used for many recipes, right? But you would be shocked to know that even a small scratch on non-stick cookware can lead to several health-related problems. A doctor and Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals Group has raised concerns over this cookware and advised people to use safer materials.
Are Non-Stick Pans Safe?
Non-stick pans are considered ideal for many recipes, like low-fat cooking, sautéing, and more. But they require proper care. Even a small scratch on the coating can prove dangerous to our health. Dr Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals Group and Past President of FICCI, recently took to her official X account to raise serious concerns about this cookware.
According to her, a simple scratch on a non-stick pan can release millions of invisible particles into the food we cook every day. These particles often carry PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ that do not break down in the body. You would be surprised to know that these chemicals are increasingly linked to cancer, hormonal imbalance, infertility, and immune disorders.
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Doctor Advises Switching To Safer Cookware
According to the doctor, the most concerning part is that most of us are already exposed to these chemicals. Studies show that these particles are present in the bloodstream of nearly everyone globally. She advised that it is time to rethink what we cook with and shift to safer materials like stainless steel or cast iron. According to Dr Sangita, this is “One of the most powerful preventive health decisions we can make, because health isn’t built in hospitals alone, it is shaped every day at home, through the choices we make.”
Non-stick pans can be dangerous if overheated or scratched. This is something not everyone knows. To stay safe, we can switch to safer cookware or replace pans that are scratched or peeling to avoid health risks. As the doctor says, “This is not a distant environmental issue. It is in our kitchens and a part of our daily lives.”
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Do you use non-stick pans for cooking?
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Are non-stick pans safe to use?
Non-stick pans are generally safe, but scratched or overheated pans can be harmful for health.