The Basics
PFAS (pronounced "PEE-fass") stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — a family of over 15,000 synthetic chemicals that have been manufactured since the 1940s.[EPA]
These chemicals contain strong carbon-fluorine bonds, which are among the strongest bonds in organic chemistry. This makes PFAS extremely stable and resistant to:
- 🔥 Heat
- 💧 Water
- 🛢️ Oil
- ☕ Stains
- ⚗️ Chemical degradation
Where Are PFAS Found?
PFAS are used in many consumer and industrial products because of their resistance to heat, water, and oil.[CDC]
Kitchen Products
- Nonstick cookware — Teflon and similar PTFE coatings
- Food packaging — Microwave popcorn bags, fast food wrappers
- Food storage — Some treated plastic containers
- Kitchen textiles — Stain-resistant tablecloths and aprons
Other Products
- Waterproof clothing and outdoor gear
- Stain-resistant carpets and upholstery
- Firefighting foams (AFFF)
- Some cosmetics and personal care products
- Industrial applications
PFAS in Cookware: A History
Discovery of PTFE
Roy Plunkett accidentally discovered polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) at DuPont. The substance was trademarked as 'Teflon' in 1945.
First Nonstick Pan
French engineer Marc Grégoire applied PTFE to fishing gear, then his wife Colette suggested using it on cookware. The company Tefal was born.
US Introduction
Tefal cookware launched in the United States under the 'T-Fal' brand, becoming popular throughout the 1960s and 70s.
Health Concerns Emerge
Research began linking PFOA (a chemical used to make PTFE) to health effects. DuPont and other manufacturers faced lawsuits.
EPA Stewardship Program
Major manufacturers agreed to phase out PFOA by 2015 as part of the EPA's PFOA Stewardship Program.
PFOA Phaseout & Replacements
PFOA largely eliminated in US manufacturing, but replaced with other PFAS (e.g., GenX, PFBS). PTFE itself still contains fluorine. Concerns about the entire class continue.
Health Concerns
Research has associated PFAS exposure with various health effects. According to the EPA and peer-reviewed studies:[EPA]
Established Associations
- Increased cholesterol levels[Sunderland 2019]
- Changes in liver enzyme levels
- Decreased vaccine response in children[Grandjean 2022]
- Increased risk of kidney cancer (PFOA)[Bartell 2020]
- Increased risk of testicular cancer (PFOA)[Bartell 2020]
Areas of Active Research
- Thyroid disease
- Immune system effects[Fenton 2021]
- Reproductive effects
- Developmental effects
"PFOA-Free" vs "PFAS-Free"
PFOA
One specific compound
Perfluorooctanoic acid — a single PFAS chemical
PFAS
Entire class of 15,000+ compounds
Includes PFOA, PTFE, PFOS, GenX, PFBS, and many more
A product labeled "PFOA-Free" may still contain:
- PTFE (Teflon) — a type of PFAS polymer
- Other PFAS compounds — GenX, PFBS, PFHxS, etc.
- Replacement chemicals — which may have similar concerns
PFAS-Free Alternatives
The following materials are naturally PFAS-free and excellent alternatives for cookware:
Naturally PFAS-Free Materials
| Material | Notes |
|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | Contains no coatings. Excellent for searing and browning. |
| Cast Iron | Seasoned with oil, not synthetic coatings. Naturally non-stick with use. |
| Carbon Steel | Similar to cast iron, lighter weight. Popular in professional kitchens. |
| Glass | Inherently inert and non-reactive. Great for baking and storage. |
| True Ceramic | 100% kiln-fired clay glazes. Not the same as "ceramic coating." |
| Enameled Cast Iron | Glass-based enamel coating on cast iron. Combines durability with easy cleaning. |
Verify Carefully
| Material | Caution |
|---|---|
| "Ceramic Coating" | Sol-gel coatings vary widely. Some may contain PFAS. Verify with manufacturer documentation. |
| Anodized Aluminum | Often combined with nonstick coatings. Uncoated hard-anodized is PFAS-free. |
Stainless Steel
Durable, non-reactive, excellent for searing
Browse →Cast Iron
Naturally non-stick when seasoned
Browse →Carbon Steel
Lightweight, professional-grade
Browse →Glass
Non-reactive, perfect for storage
Browse →True Ceramic
100% ceramic, kiln-fired
Browse →Enameled Cast Iron
Glass enamel on cast iron
Browse →Sources & Further Reading
Government Sources
EPA PFAS Homepage. Accessed 2026-01-28.
CDC ATSDR PFAS Fact Sheet. Accessed 2026-01-28.
FDA PFAS Information. Accessed 2026-01-28.
EPA PFAS Health Effects. Accessed 2026-01-28.
NIEHS Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. Accessed 2026-01-28.
Scientific Literature
Sunderland et al. 2019. “A review of the pathways of human exposure to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and present understanding of health effects.” Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, 2019. DOI: 10.1038/s41370-018-0094-1
Cousins et al. 2020. “The high persistence of PFAS is sufficient for their management as a chemical class.” Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts, 2020. DOI: 10.1039/D0EM00240B
Fenton et al. 2021. “Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Toxicity and Human Health Review: Current State of Knowledge and Strategies for Informing Future Research.” Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 2021. DOI: 10.1002/etc.4890
Bartell & Vieira 2020. “Critical review on PFOA, kidney cancer, and testicular cancer.” Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 2020. DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2020.1768833
Grandjean et al. 2022. “Immunotoxicity of perfluorinated alkylates: calculation of benchmark doses based on serum concentrations in children.” Environmental Health, 2022. DOI: 10.1186/s12940-022-00867-7
Consumer Resources
Environmental Working Group. Accessed 2026-01-28.
Green Science Policy Institute. Accessed 2026-01-28.
Last updated: January 2026
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