Out of The Frying Pan, Into The Fire

By now most of us are aware of the dangers of plastic. Most brands are waking up to these dangers and including “No BPAs, PFAS, PTFE and PFOA” but what exactly does this mean? Is that all we have to worry about? Is my cookware safe and healthy?

There is so much misleading information out there as well as an overwhelming amount of brands to choose from. But don't worry!

I have done the work so you don't have to. Let’s break down those acronyms

BPA: Bisphenol-A, also called BPA is a type of chemical that is used to make plastic durable(plastic #7) and also used in thermal receipt paper.

BPA is an Endocrine disruptor. That is a chemical that can imitate or block the body's natural Hormones causing disruption in growth, cell repair, fetal development and reproduction. The majority of BPA enters the body through exposure from packaged and canned foods but also our cookware.

BPFAS: pre/polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS, are a class of chemicals that are used in everything from personal care products to food packaging and cookware.

These chemicals also function as endocrine disruptors and exposure to these chemicals can impact reproduction, development and behavior and increased cancer risk, to name a few.

labels have recently included “PFOA/ PFOS free” however these are just two of the chemicals that make up the more than 9,000 PFAS currently used in manufacturing.
Unfortunately, the widespread use of these cheap and toxic chemicals makes it very difficult to avoid. However, there are ways we can reduce our exposure!

How can we avoid these chemical toxins?

-Choose glass, porcelain or stainless steel food storage containers
-Avoid using plastic wrap or aluminum foil
-Look for BPA-free canned food items or choose fresh foods
-Use unlines stainless steel or glass water bottle in place of plastic
-Choose an emailed receipt over thermal paper.

But what about the cookware?

AVOID:
-Teflon and other non stick chemicals
-Plastic, including plastic spoons and spatulas
-aluminum (including the use of aluminum foil)

Instead, choose cookware made from:

-Stainless Steel
-Glass
-ceramic
-Cast iron*
Using pure Stainless steel and glass cookware are great ways to reduce chemical exposure leaking into our foods. Pure ceramic is safe and nontoxic but keep an eye out for ceramic coated aluminum. Once the ceramic is scratched, chipped or dented aluminum can leak from the core and contaminate our foods.
Cast iron is safe but should be avoiding for people with hemochromatosis

But what if you can't run out and buy all new cookware?? What are you suppose to do??

Cookware is expensive! Most people cannot run out and replace all their pots and pans.
Silicone baking mats are relatively cheap and easy to find. Unlike plastic, silicone is oven, freezer and even microwave safe. Placing a silicone baking mat over your pans can reduce your exposure to these chemicals! An added bonus is that silicone is naturally non stick and easy to wash!
For further information about toxic chemicals:

-European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
-Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council (ITRC)
-United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
-Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
-Environmental Working Group (ewg)

J.D
resources:
1. Ireland, P. (n.d.). 4 Ways to Avoid Toxic Chemicals in Food Packaging. NRDC. https://www.nrdc.org/stories/4-ways-avoid-toxic-chemicals-food-packaging?gclid=CjwKCAiA3pugBhAwEiwAWFzwdRLQziPUSArRy4MFVkQEq4_7XjRQcFCxve-pCN10_4kVcwbBrPJLWBoCrWcQAvD_BwE
2. Mainstays Stainless Steel. (n.d.). Walmart. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-Stainless-Steel-24-Piece-Kitchen-Set/585289067
3. Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS | US EPA. (2022, March 16). US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas
3. Ranniger, G. (2022, April 29). BPA: What you need to know. EHN. https://www.ehn.org/bpa-pollution-2645493129.html?gclid=CjwKCAiA3pugBhAwEiwAWFzwdRU15so4pUwio-vm2oHETnblMhWUknRsock1Md39lmyGTDsQM81cyxoCywwQAvD_BwE