Non-stick pans release invisible microparticles, posing health risk

Recent investigations highlight that non‑stick cookware can shed millions of invisible microparticles each time the pan is heated or scraped. The degradation of the coating—accelerated by high temperatures, metal utensils, abrasive cleaning or rapid cooling—creates tiny fragments that mix into food without altering taste, colour or texture. These particles can be ingested, raising concerns about long‑term health effects.

Consumers are urged to replace pans once the surface shows signs of wear such as scratches, peeling or loss of colour. While discarding old cookware may conflict with waste‑reduction goals, health experts stress that continued use of damaged non‑stick pans could increase exposure to these artificial particles.