In almost every Vietnamese kitchen, non-stick pans are a common tool that makes cooking easier. No one enjoys scraping stuck fish off a pan or struggling to flip a fried egg, right?
But few people realize that the non-stick coating doesn’t last forever. Over time, with exposure to high heat, oils, and scrubbing, the coating can wear down and scratch. And when that happens, even a small scratch can release thousands of microplastics into your food.
One Small Scratch – Thousands of Microplastics Into Your Stomach
Researchers in Australia have studied this issue and found that:
Just one small scratch on a non-stick pan can release up to 9,100 microplastic particles into your food. If the pan has multiple scratches, 2.3 million particles can be released every 30 seconds of cooking on high heat.
What are microplastics? 
They are tiny plastic particles, invisible to the naked eye, that can enter the body through digestion. Over time, they accumulate in the liver, kidneys, and blood vessels, potentially leading to serious health issues.
Old Non-Stick Pans – A Hidden Health Hazard
The non-stick coating is often made of Teflon (Polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE), which belongs to the PFAS family—also known as “forever chemicals” because they’re extremely difficult to break down and can persist in both the human body and the environment.
Health risks of ingesting PFAS and microplastics from non-stick pans:
Endocrine disruption: May cause early puberty in children and hormonal imbalances in adults. Reduced fertility: Especially in men.
Increased cholesterol and obesity: Microplastics can disrupt metabolism over time. Higher cancer risk: PFAS have been linked to prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers.
How to Protect Your Health:
Replace your pans regularly: If your pan is scratched, it’s time for a new one. Don’t risk your health for a cheap pan. Avoid low-quality non-stick pans: Choose reputable brands with clear origin and safety standards.
Cook at moderate temperatures: Avoid overheating the pan, which accelerates Teflon breakdown. Use wooden or silicone utensils: Metal spoons or chopsticks can easily scratch the coating. Consider switching to cast iron or stainless steel pans: These options are safer because they don’t have a non-stick coating that can peel off.
Conclusion:
A tiny scratch might seem harmless—but it could be releasing invisible toxins into your daily meals. By staying informed and making mindful choices in the kitchen, you can better protect yourself and your family’s long-term health.
