28/08/2025
A landmark study published in Science of The Total Environment (2022) by researchers at the University of Newcastle and the University of Queensland found that a single crack or scratch on Teflon-coated cookware (made with PTFE—polytetrafluoroethylene) could release between 2,300 and 9,100 microscopic plastic particles, depending on the size and depth of the damage.
These particles are known as microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), and they can detach when a utensil scrapes the surface—especially under high heat.
These materials don’t biodegrade and may accumulate in the human body. While the long-term health effects of ingesting microplastics are still under investigation, animal studies suggest links to hormone disruption, inflammation, and cellular damage.
Moreover, perfluorinated compounds (like PFOA or PFAS), previously used in older non-stick coatings, are classified as probable human carcinogens.
It’s important to note that modern Teflon coatings no longer contain PFOA, but PTFE itself can still degrade into microparticles if damaged or overheated.
Experts advise discarding non-stick cookware with visible scratches, avoiding metal utensils on coated pans, and using wooden or silicone tools instead.
Also, cooking below 260°C (500°F) can help reduce the risk of chemical breakdown.
