Healthy Tidbits

(Prevention Magazine)

Don't Cook With This!
Green This: Nonstick pans
To That: Cast-iron pans or other easy-to-clean options
To create a surface slick enough to let food slide off, manufacturers use chemicals called fluoropolymers--which are released into the air if you cook at a high heat, showed tests commissioned by the EWG in 2003. In your body, they break down into compounds such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a likely human carcinogen, according to an EPA advisory panel. You can limit your exposure by cooking only on low or medium heat, but some researchers replace their cookware instead. Arcaro uses a cast-iron pan, which has a natural nonstick surface once it's been seasoned. (Lodge Manufacturing Company makes preseasoned ones: lodgemfg.com.) Other options: GreenPan with Thermolon, made with nonstick ceramics (hsn.com), and Le Creuset pans, cast-iron with an enameled cooking surface (lecreuset.com/usa/products for purchasing options).