In the revised Dietary Guidelines for Indians (DGIs), ICMR and the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) have advised against non-stick cookware due to health risks from PFOA, PFOS in Teflon coatings.
ICMR has also advised to opt for eco-friendly options like ceramic, cast iron, and stainless steel.
Non-stick cookware has long been hailed as a convenient option for cooking due to its non-stick surface.
This makes it easy to clean and requires less oil for cooking.
One of the primary concerns with non-stick cookware is perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS).
They are the chemicals used in producing non-stick coatings such as Teflon.
When non-stick cookware is heated to high temperatures, these chemicals can release toxic fumes into the air, posing health risks to those exposed.
Inhalation of these fumes has been linked to various health issues, including respiratory problems, thyroid disorders, and even certain types of cancer.
PFOA belongs to a larger class of chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
While PFOA is largely phased out, other PFAS compounds may still be present in some non-stick cookware.
Non-stick cookware, particularly those coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon), can release toxic fumes when overheated.
They potentially causing flu-like symptoms in humans and being fatal to birds.