What Makes a Pan Non-stick and is it Safe?

By: Wei Li ‘25 Opinions: Issue 4.

Seemingly all frying pans claim to be nonstick, but what gives a material its non-stick property? One such substance is Teflon, one of the many trademarked names for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a polymer made up of carbon chains bonded to fluorine ([C2F4]n) The fluorine that surrounds the molecule creates a uniform and continuous protective casing around the carbon chain, resulting in a molecule with strong carbonfluorine bonds (1). PTFE is used in a variety of ways, the most well-known is as coatings on pans and other cooking appliances (2).

These properties are all due to PTFE’s structure, which prevents the molecule from forming intermolecular bonds with other substances, giving it a non-stick surface The substance itself is considered safe to use at temperatures below 500 degrees Fº (260 degrees Cº), as any higher temperature will cause the polymer to degrade and release toxic fumes (3) If inhaled, these fumes may cause polymer fume fever; a disease including symptoms of fever, sore throat, and weakness (4). The effects of ingesting PTFE are unknown, however, some hypothesize the effects to be minimal due to its unreactive nature(5).

Some properties of PTFE include good resistance to UV light and heat; a very high melt viscosity, causing the liquid to flow with more difficulty; and being an effective electrical insulator (1)

With PTFE having the lowest coefficient of friction of every known solid, there is no better non-stick material that functions better than PTFE. However, it would be beneficial to look into substitutes for PTFE Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which include PTFE, have been noted to release other PFAS into the environment during their life cycle This is problematic because PFAS are known for their unreactive properties, meaning they will stay in the environment for extended periods without ever breaking down (6).

It could be beneficial for the environment to avoid non-stick pans, however, if only PTFE-coated pans are at your disposal, remember not to heat them when empty, to use wooden utensils to avoid scratching the non-stick coating, and to replace old pans when there is visible wear (3) The next time you use a frying pan, know that the strong carbon-fluorine bonds in PTFE may be what helps you avoid scraping burnt eggs from the pan, but will have unwanted effects if left on the stove with the burner on.

Additionally, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which was previously in the production of PTFE, is toxic to the environment, entering many water supplies in the nation as well as not degrading with ease (7) A study in 2007 also showed that PFOA remains in the pan after the manufacturing process, and fumes may be produced during normal heating temperatures (8). PFOA has been associated with higher cholesterol, thyroid disease, weakened immune systems, and cancer (7) Consequently, PFOA has been replaced in the synthesis process of PTFE production in the United States, although other parts of the world still use PFOA, contributing to pollution on a global scale (5). Additionally, substitutes in the United States have also been suspected to have many of the same concerns: environmental persistence, accumulation in plants and animals, and ability to travel worldwide (6).

Comprehensive guide on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (nd) Omnexus Retrieved September 21, 2023, from https://omnexusspecialchemcom/selectionguide/polytetrafluoroethylene-ptfe-fluoropolymer Polytetrafluoroethylene (nd) Britannica Retrieved September 21, 2023, from https://wwwbritannicacom/science/polytetrafluoroethylene Coyle, D (2017, July 13) Is nonstick cookware like Teflon safe to use? Healthline Retrieved September 21, 2023, from https://wwwhealthlinecom/nutrition/nonstick-cookware-safety Hamaya, R, Ono, Y, Chida, Y, Inokuchi, R, Kikuchi, K, Tameda, T, Tase, C, & Shinohara, K (2015) Polytetrafluoroethylene fume–induced pulmonary edema: A case report and review of the literature Journal of Medical Case Reports, 9(1) https://doiorg/101186/s13256-015-0593-9

Sajid, M, & Ilyas, M (2017) PTFE-coated non-stick cookware and toxicity concerns: A perspective Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 24(30), 23436-23440 https://doiorg/101007/s11356-017-0095-y

Lohmann, R, Cousins, I T, DeWitt, J C, Glüge, J, Goldenman, G, Herzke, D, Lindstrom, A B, Miller, M F, Ng, C A, Patton, S, Scheringer, M, Trier, X, & Wang, Z (2020) Are fluoropolymers really of low concern for human and environmental health and separate from other pfas? Environmental Science & Technology, 54(20), 12820-12828 https://doiorg/101021/acsest0c03244

PFOA information sheet (2022, April) MN Department of Health

Retrieved September 21, 2023, from https://wwwhealthstatemnus/communities/environment/risk/docs/gui dance/gw/pfoainfopdf

Sinclair, E, Kim, S K, Akinleye, H B, & Kannan, K (2007) Quantitation of gas-phase perfluoroalkyl surfactants and fluorotelomer alcohols released from nonstick cookware and microwave popcorn bags Environmental Science & Technology, 41(4), 1180-1185 https://doiorg/101021/es062377w

[Molecular structure of PTFE] (nd) Omnexus https://omnexusspecialchemcom/selectionguide/polytetrafluoroethylene-ptfe-fluoropolymer

[Diagram of PFAS emissions] (2020) https://pubsacsorg/doi/101021/acsest0c03244