At the center of the debate is Teflon, the most well known non-stick cookware brand. Teflon is DuPont's brand name for Polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE; a synthetic fluoropolymer that DuPont discovered has an extremely low "coefficient of friction," and therefore introduced it as a non-stick coating for pans and other cookware. Although Teflon and other non-stick brands may cut cooking and clean up time, recent reports suggest that the benefits of these products do not outweigh the harm it may cause our bodies.

It has been reported that PTFE fumes, as well as several other toxic gasses are released from Teflon and other non-stick cookware when it is heated. While DuPont argues that toxins are only released during extremely high heat cooking that is rarely reached in the average kitchen, research shows that non-stick coatings begin to break down and release toxins after 2-5 minutes, or around 446 degrees F on the average household stovetop. Furthermore, after 3-5 minutes around 680 degrees, non-stick pans release at least six toxic gasses, including two carcinogens, two global pollutants, and MFA; a chemical deadly to humans at low doses. The toxins released at these temperatures are so strong that they have been known to kill birds due to their very sensitive respiratory systems, and it is suspected that thousands of household birds have died after inhaling these fumes. Additionally, non-stick cookware releases ozone-destroying CFCs and fluorocarbons that contribute to global warming.

There are several alternatives to non-stick cookware, but many of these have their own faults. Aluminum cookware too has its potential dangers. Aluminum can leach or chip out of cookware and be absorbed by the body where it builds up over time. Aluminum is a strongly suspected causal factor in Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, up to 90% of all aluminum pans are coated in non-stick top coats.

There are however, some safe alternatives. Stainless steel is a safer alternative to non-stick or aluminum cookware, but the fact that it is an uncoated metal leaves room for some debate. Some believe that stainless steel may not be an inert metal and therefore may also leach into foods cooked in it. However, the appeal of stainless steel is that it is lightweight, especially compared to the other safe alternatives. (See Williams-Sonoma for an example of stainless steel cookware.)

From a health perspective, the seemingly best bet for most household cooking is enamel or porcelain coated cast iron. Enamel coated cast iron is safe to use on any heat source and at any temperature. Cast iron also lasts for an extremely long time so it makes a good investment. It is important however, that cast iron is coated in either enamel or porcelain to keep iron from leaching into foods which could cause an overabundance of iron in the body. Enamel-coated iron is colorful, stain and scratch resistant and does not pick up food odors. (See Le Creuset for an example of enamel-coated cast iron cookware.) The downside to cast iron cookware, is that it is very heavy. Some also argue that food sticks to it, but you can follow simple steps to "season" the pan to create a virtually non-stick surface, without any health risks. Make sure that any enamel coated cookware that you buy does not contain lead or cadmium. These toxins were found in pigments used to color the interior of enamel cookware. However, the FDA outlawed the use of these toxins in the 1970s so purchasing any new enamel coated cast iron cookware today is safe. 

Lastly, there have recently been pans marketed as "Green". We have tried them and are big fans! The ones we purchased from Williams Sonoma are are from the Cuisinart Green Gourmet line. They are constructed of recycled stainless steel and hard-anodized aluminum. They have a ceramic-based non-stick coating on the interior, making the metals inert. The pan heats quickly and cooks evenly. Ceramic-based nonstick interior is completely free of PTFE and PFOA and is made without petroleum. This eco-friendly nonstick pan efficiently conducts heat to reach desired temperatures, and thereby uses less energy. Similar pans are also sold at Bed Bath & Beyond.

Happy and safe cooking!