According to Certified Green Building Professional, Lisa Beres, you should try to get that number to a big fat zero.
Why is it important that you ditch your non-stick?
Anything that is water-resistant, stain-resistant, grease-resistant, or stick-resistant contains chemicals called PFCs, which are extremely toxic to the environment, human health and animal health. When you heat a non-stick pan, the chemicals start to break down and release toxins and particulates into the air. In humans, this can cause flu-like symptoms. And, it can even kill birds by getting into their lungs.
These chemicals are also found in certain food packaging (like a pizza box), clothing (Gor-Tex), and personal care products like shaving cream, pressed powder, and dental floss.
They're so prevalent, that they are also present in food, air, and drinking water.
PFCs have been categorized as a likely carcinogen, which means that they've been linked to cancer in animals. PFOA is the specific chemical used in non-stick cookware and has been detected in 100% of newborns examined.
These chemicals are also associated with smaller birth weight and size in babies, higher cholesterol levels, liver dysfunction, abnormal thyroid levels, and weaker immune systems.
What are some safer options?
Look for stainless steel, ceramic and cast iron for cooking and glass for baking. Certain products claim they are "PFC-free," but they might contain other chemicals that could be equally as dangerous.
You should avoid stain-resistant coatings on carpeting and furniture as well.
In the accompanying audio segment, Lisa Beres joins hosts Andrea and Lisa to share more about the dangers of PFCs, non-stick cookware, and some better, safer options.
What are some safer options?
Look for stainless steel, ceramic and cast iron for cooking and glass for baking. Certain products claim they are "PFC-free," but they might contain other chemicals that could be equally as dangerous.
You should avoid stain-resistant coatings on carpeting and furniture as well.
In the accompanying audio segment, Lisa Beres joins hosts Andrea and Lisa to share more about the dangers of PFCs, non-stick cookware, and some better, safer options.
Lisa and Ron Beres are Certified Green Building Professionals, Building Biologists and published authors of several books including Just GREEN It! and the children's book, My Body My House. In addition to testing the health of homes, their consulting business includes celebrities and Fortune 500's. They are award winning television media experts and have appeared on The Rachael Ray Show, The Suzanne Show, The Doctors, Fox & Friends, The Today Show with Matt Lauer, NBC’s Nightly News with Brian Williams, Discovery’s Greenovate and Chelsea Lately on E!