Español
عربى
People who love cooking cannot do without handy kitchen utensils. Non-stick pans not only consume less oil and produce less smoke, but also effectively reduce the phenomenon of sticking. However, in recent years, rumors that "non-stick pans cause cancer" have been heard everywhere. Some people even worry that the coating may be toxic and harmful to health when the bottom of the non-stick pan is scratched and the lines are exposed. So, are non-stick pans really toxic and carcinogenic? In daily cooking, how should we choose safe pots?
The core issue of non-stick pans is that they are controversial because of their coating. This coating can make the pots achieve the effect of "non-stick", thanks to the magical effect of Teflon. The coating of non-stick pans is a tetrafluoroethylene polymer, which is known for its heat resistance and corrosion resistance and is considered a safe material. Teflon can fill the uneven gaps on the surface of the pot, forming an extremely smooth "film".
Whether the coating of a non-stick pan is carcinogenic depends on whether it meets the standards. As a key component of non-stick pans, Teflon is often associated with words such as "polymer" and "plastic", which has caused concerns about its toxicity and carcinogenicity. In fact, Teflon itself is not toxic, but in its production process, some bad manufacturers may use a processing aid called PFOA, which has a potential association with diseases such as thyroid disease, high cholesterol and ulcerative colitis, and has a certain carcinogenic risk. At present, PFOA has been banned in many countries including China. Therefore, as long as the non-stick pan purchased from a regular channel and meets national standards, the safety of its Teflon coating is guaranteed.
The coating of a non-stick pan will inevitably fall off or scratch after long-term use. Faced with this situation, how should we deal with it? Experts point out that under normal use conditions, the properties of Teflon coating are quite stable. Even if a small amount of shed coating particles are accidentally ingested, these particles can usually be naturally excreted by the human body, so they will not cause serious health effects. If the coating of a non-stick pan falls off, food is easy to burn, harmful substances are produced, and health is affected. It is recommended to replace it in time. At the same time, avoid using hard objects to scratch the pot and prevent overheating shock to extend the service life.
How to prevent coated non-stick pans from causing harm to the human body
Product selection: Buy coated non-stick pans from regular channels with quality assurance, check whether the product has relevant quality certification, and ensure that the product meets national standards.
Cooking temperature control: Avoid dry burning non-stick pans, control cooking temperature, and try to keep the temperature below 260℃. You can use an oil thermometer to measure the oil temperature, master the cooking temperature, and reduce the production of harmful substances.
Utensil use: Use spatulas made of wood, silicone and other materials, and avoid using sharp metal spatulas to scratch the pot body to prevent the coating from falling off. When cleaning the pot, wipe it gently with a soft cloth and avoid using hard objects such as steel wool.
Regular inspection: Check the coating condition of the non-stick pan regularly. If the coating is found to be falling off in a large area or severely worn, replace it with a new pan in time to prevent the falling coating from entering the human body.
