If you use the most popular type of cookware, you are exposing yourself to a harmful bone-damaging chemical.
When “non-stick cookware” was presented in the 1960s, everyone wanted to use it. Created by the bonding of aluminum and polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE, this innovative surface was the king of all surfaces.
In 1945 , PTFE was trademarked as Teflon, and in 1960, the FDA approved its use in American cookware.
Today, non-stick pots and pans are used globally and, unfortunately, they are anything but healthy.
Fluoride: the Hidden Toxin in Your Cookware
When you look at the chemical formula for regular non-stick coating, you’ll see that fluoride is hiding among the chemicals: polytetrafluoroethylene C2F4, or polytetrafluoroethene F2CCF2.
Throughout the 80s and 90s, scientists proved over and over that fluoride accumulates in the bones and damages them. Consequently, when CDC looked at the studies in 1993, it came to the same conclusion that ingestions of fluoride increases the risk of hip fracture.
When heated, Teflon releases several toxic gases, some of which were used in chemical warfare.
It’s Not Just Teflon…
There are other toxins hiding in other types of cookware, too.
Ceramic Cookware and Lead Poisoning
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that ceramic cookware imported from China has high levels of lead in the glaze. When foods are cooked in these ceramic cookware, lead leaches into the food at alarmingly high levels. Ingestion of lead accumulates in our bodies over time. Lead can cause serious and permanent adverse health effects, particularly affecting the brain and nervous system.
Copper Cookware
There are two types of copper cookware: uncoated and coated. Uncoated cookware is toxic because the copper molecules can leach into your food in high amounts, causing significant digestive upset and a host of other health problems.
Aluminum Cookware Damages Bones
It’s pretty well known that aluminum can leach out of your cookware and into your food, especially when you cook high-acid foods like tomatoes.
Aluminum weakens bones. When it accumulates in the body, it wreaks havoc on bone remodeling and building. Aluminum actually impairs your body’s ability to absorb calcium into your bones, resulting in high blood calcium levels.
References
1http://208.109.172.241/cdc.htm
2Boucher, M., Ehmler, TJ and Bermudez, AJ. 2000. “Polytetrafluoroethylene gas intoxication in broiler chickens.” Avian Dis 44(2): 449-53.
3Gilmore, Thomas, et al. “A Comparison of the Prevalence of Lead-Contaminated Imported Chinese Ceramic Dinnerware Purchased Inside Versus Outside Philedelphia’s Chinatown.” Journal of Medical Toxicology. March 2013. Vol 9, issue 1, pp 16-20. Web. http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs13181-012-0225-3
