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3M Will Stop Producing PFAS, Used in Nonstick Cookware

3M Will Stop Producing PFAS, Used in Nonstick Cookware

3M announced December 21, 2022 that it would stop producing PFAS compounds, (polyfluoroalkyl substances) and end their use by the end of 2025.

 

Background

PFAS and similar compounds have been commonly used used to make Teflon nonstick cookware (until 2013), like frying pans, water-repellent sports gear, stain-resistant rugs, food packaging and other consumer - even cosmetics- and industrial products.. They are called "forever chemicals" because they do not degrade in the environment and persist for many years, showing up in almost all living organisms.

 

PFAS have been voluntarily phased out by most U.S.-based manufacturers but 3M has continued to produce them for a few uses. The EPA proposed in August 2022 to designate two forms of PFAS's as hazardous substances under Superfund law.

 

PFAS have been (by 3M estimates) $1.3 billion annual sales for the company.

 

Health issues

Also see this page about Forver chemicals PFAS / PFOS and health concerns

PFAS accumulate in the human body. Studies from both animals and humans indicate that exposure to PFAS can result in cancer or damage to the liver, kidneys and thyroid gland and testicular cancer, as well as being correlated with infertility and low birth weight

In addition, the EPA found in this 2016 study that PFAS can result in high cholesterol, increased liver enzymes, decreased vaccination response, thyroid disorders, pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia.

PFAS, which are not naturally occurring, have also been found in both municipal and private well drinking water, as well as in rainwater.

During the manufacturing process,  most of the PFOA is burned off  and only a small amount remained in the final product. Even so, that small amount in Teflon cookware has not be considered by objective research to be a significant source of PFOA exposure. .

Please note, all Teflon products have been free of PFOA since 2013.

If you own older Teflon-coated cookware, especially that which has a damaged cooking surface, such as flaking or peeling coating, those are the only ones which cook be of concern.

Teflon Cookware

While PFOA's are no longer used in Teflon-coated cookware, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroaklyl substances) still are. Here's the issue. while Teflon is considered safe and stable under normal use, at high temperatures ( above 500°F / 260°C), Teflon coatings  break down emitting toxic chemicals. These fumes are unhealthy and cause a syndrome called "polymer fume fever" or the Teflon flu.

The symptoms are flu-like chills, fever, headache, and/or body aches, which begin 4 to 10 hours after exposure. The conditions normally go away on their own in 12 to 48 hours.

The studies do show that it took extreme conditions (exposure to fumes from Teflon cookware heated to at least 730°F (390°C) for periods of at least 4 hours.

Tips for safely using Teflon cookware

  • Don’t preheat empty Teflon-coated pans.
  • Avoid using high heat settings
  • Turn on stove ventilation exhaust fans or open windows
  • Avoid scratching or damaging the Teflon coating by using wooden, silicone, or plastic utensils rather than metal
  • Hand wash pots and pans with a sponge rather than steel wool scouring pads
  • Replace when the cookware shows signs of scratches, peeling, flaking, and chipping


Alternatives to Teflon

There are many alternatives to Teflon coatings now, including many that are nonstick:

  1. Stoneware. Stoneware, like granite-coated iron, is nonstick when seasoned with cooking oil and still non-stick and scratch resistant.
  2. Ceramic cookware This is almost as non-stick as Teflon!
  3. Cast-iron cookware After you season it with cooking oil, it is naturally nonstick and lasts lifetimes.  You can find people who are using their great-grandparents iron pots and pans.
  4. Silicone cookware Silicone (essentially made from sand) is best for baking and utensils, since direct heat (like a flame in a gas stove or electric heating element can damage it.
  5. Stainless steel Stainless steel is not nonstick, but it is durable and you do not need to worry about scratching.  And you can puit it in the dishwasher

Also check out silicone microwave popcorn poppers!

References:


Ways to save money AND help the environment:

Eat healthier AND save money: Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker Combo with Multicooker Lids that Fries, Steams, Slow Cooks, Sautés, Dehydrates

Save water AND money with this showerhead adapter, it lets the water flow until the water is hot, then shuts off water flow until you restart it, ShowerStart TSV Hot Water Standby Adapter

Protect your health with these:

Mattress Dust mite-Bedbug protector, 100% Waterproof, Hypoallergenic, Zippered

Handheld Allergen Vacuum Cleaner with UV Sanitizing and Heating for Allergies and Pet, Kills Mite, Virus, Molds, True HEPA with Powerful Suction removes Hair, Dander, Pollen, Dust,

Immune Support Supplement with Quercetin, Vitamin C, Zinc, Vitamin D3

GermGuardian Air Purifier with UV-C Light and HEPA 13 Filter, Removes 99.97% of Pollutants

5 Stage Air Purifier, Features Ultraviolet Light (UVC), H13 True Hepa, Carbon, PCO, Smart Wifi, Auto Mode, Quiet, Removes 99.97% of Particles, Smoke, Mold, Pet Dander, Dust, Odors

Interesting Reads:

THE PREPPER'S CANNING & PRESERVING BIBLE: [13 in 1] Your Path to Food Self-Sufficiency. Canning, Dehydrating, Fermenting, Pickling & More, Plus The Food Preservation Calendar for a Sustainable Pantry

The Backyard Homestead: Produce all the food you need on just a quarter acre! Paperback

The Citizens' Guide to Geologic Hazards: A Guide to Understanding Geologic Hazards Including Asbestos, Radon, Swelling Soils, Earthquakes, Volcanoes

The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming

Book: The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History Paperback




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