Dr. Punam Desai warns against using scratched or cracked non-stick or ceramic cookware. According to her, these damaged items can release microplastics, which are harmful to health. Her video on the dangers of scratched non-stick pans has garnered nearly half a million views on TikTok. In it, the health expert, who has 22,500 followers, explains how this damaged kitchenware can transfer millions of microplastic particles into the food we consume.
Invisible but Highly Destructive Microplastics
Ms. Desai states that microplastics are endocrine disruptors. They can cause hormonal imbalances, fertility issues, and even increase the risk of cancer. As we know, the endocrine system regulates the release of various hormones in our bodies.
Microplastics come from various sources, including larger pieces of plastic that have broken down, such as the damaged coating of a pan. Some microplastics contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as forever chemicals. These are sticks and heat-resistant particles used in the production of millions of kitchen items. In recent years, they have been linked to various health problems, including several types of cancer, autism, and infertility.
As reported by the Daily Mail, a previous study conducted in Australia found that a single scratch on a pot’s surface could transfer millions of microplastic particles into food and human habitats. Researchers used light waves to measure microscopic particles.
It turned out that just one scratch on a 5 cm thick Teflon pan (possibly from a spatula or spoon) can release up to 2.3 million microplastics. Overall, more than 9,000 plastic particles were dispersed in the pot.
Damaged Pans – A Source of Harmful Substances
Ms. Desai also mentions that she avoids using ceramic pots because they have a layer of aluminum underneath, which can also leach into food. Ceramic pans are generally considered a safer alternative to non-stick options since they do not contain forever chemicals or any metals.
On the other hand, ceramic-coated pots are typically made from aluminum with a ceramic-based non-stick coating. If their coating is damaged, metal particles can end up in the food being prepared in them.
Once ingested, food contaminated with these chemicals can remain in the body for a long time, as they exit the system very slowly through urine. They are referred to as “forever chemicals” because they break down in the body over ten years and never decompose in the environment.
The Food and Drug Administration has not established an upper limit on the maximum amount of these substances that can be safely consumed in food. Therefore, researchers recommend that people be more mindful of the types of cookware they choose to use, especially when it comes to food preparation.