If you’ve ever been shopping for a frying pan, then you’ll be all too familiar with the overwhelming selections now available on the market. From aluminium and stainless steel to carbon steel, non-stick and more… it can be a difficult decision to know which one to choose.

It’s even harder if you’re trying to live as low tox as possible. That’s why it’s important to know some of the dangers of cooking with certain types of frying pans, and why it might be worth investing money on that pan that’s been on your wish list.

There are not many people that have a two-decade desire to create a high-quality frying pan, but Mark is just one of those people. Big on science, mathematics and engineering, Mark fills us in on how he started out in the workforce at just 14 years old for Queensland Rail.

Hungry for innovation, we hear how Mark knocks back international deals, and the thought of mass production to create his own unique range of pans – Solidteknics made right here in Australia.

Are non-stick coatings toxic?

 If you’re one to truly use your frying pan until it’s very last days, then you’ll know all about those small black pieces that have been slowly flaking off the non-stick coat. While other household bills might be at the forefront of your mind and take priority, your deteriorating frying pan may be doing much more harm than good.

The majority of non-stick frying pans are made from a carcinogenic chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). As you continually cook at high temperatures, the non-stick coating of your frypan slowly breaks down. This helps to understand the reason why over time, you start to notice the black flaky pieces coming off. This is where you realise it’s time to buy another pan.

Unless the manufacturer of the frypan specifically states that they have used non-toxic materials, then chances are the materials are harming your health. In one article on The Ecologist, it’s reported that Teflon coating is toxic to at least nine types of cells that regulate immunity. In animal studies, there is a strong link between PFOA and cancer, along with thyroid issues and miscarriage. In 2006, an EPA advisory board which consisted of 17 scientists strongly recommended PFOA be labelled a ‘likely carcinogen.

Environmental impacts of Teflon

Ever wondered what happens to that frying pan you dispose of after the non-stick coating has peeled off? Mark explains from an environmental aspect the damage that’s being done and some pretty scary statistics.

It becomes quite daunting when you begin to dig through multiple reports on the environmental impacts of Teflon products. American frying pan giant, Dupont, agreed to pay $100 million in a lengthy court case after they were found to be hiding evidence of drinking water supplies having been contaminated with Teflon. Further, Teflon ingredients had been found in blood samples of mothers who worked in the Dupont factory, which led to birth defects in their children.

PFOA’s are also beginning to turn up in the blood of wildlife in three continents above the Arctic Circle, including sea lions, polar bears and sea turtles. Sadly, Teflon is simply unable to break down once disposed of, and this shows from water samples being taken from all around the world,  with PFOA showing up in nearly every sample.

Interestingly, 80% of non-stick kitchen utensils in Australia are made from Teflon.

Making better buying decisions

How many frying pans have you bought over the years, probably way too many? Considering how much you use it every week, are you happy with how long they last? It could be time to invest in a quality, non-toxic frying pan that will last a lifetime (just saying).

Keep an eye out for companies that pledge to use non-toxic materials, and strive for life-long products. It’s becoming quite clear that on your chemical-free journey, purchasing the right cooking appliances is just as important as the food you put in your mouth.

By the end of this podcast, you’ll be sure to be a guru when it comes to choosing the best frying pan that will truly last!

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