Minnesota Just Banned ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Cookware—Here’s Why It Matters

Minnesota passed a law that could change how you cook. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency announced that starting January 1, 2025, the state will ban the sale of any cookware with a coating made from PFAS. The most popular brand of this type of nonstick cookware is Teflon. This law also bans other products that contain PFAS, including cleaning products, cosmetics, carpets, furniture and other common household items.

Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemicals that give Teflon its nonstick surface. PFAS appear in thousands of common items and have been linked with an increased risk of cancer, immune system issues and obesity, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Services. States around the country have started to take action.

What’s the issue with PFAS?

PFAS is a term used to describe thousands of synthetic chemicals that have been used in consumer products since the 1950s. The term “synthetic” means that the chemicals are human-made and don’t occur naturally in the environment. PFAS are often referred to as forever chemicals because their molecules are strongly linked together and will not break down over time.

Most of us are exposed to PFAS every day through our drinking water, food and things around our homes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates nearly all people in the United States have PFAS present in their blood.

The type of PFAS used in cookware is called PTFE, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not found that these types of chemicals are unsafe. However, we do know that these chemicals are bioaccumulative, which means that they build up in our bodies over time.

Poison Control advises using caution when cooking with nonstick pans made with Teflon because of the risk of “Teflon flu.” Polymer fume fever, commonly called the Teflon flu, can occur when you breathe in burning polymer products like Teflon. Teflon cookware with scratches or chipping can release chemicals into the air during cooking. Breathing in the smoke from these chemicals may cause flu-like symptoms, including headache, chills, fever and body aches. While humans usually feel better after a day or two, Teflon flu can be fatal for pet birds.

Will I be able to find other nonstick pans?

Teflon cookware has been popular for years because it prevents food from sticking and makes cleanup easy. Alternatives to Teflon cookware include cast-iron skillets, stainless steel and ceramic cookware.

Cast-iron skillets are incredibly durable and can safely withstand high temperatures. However, they can be intimidating for newbies, and the cleanup isn’t as quick as with Teflon. However, they’re a favorite among chefs for a reason. Stainless steel cookware can also handle high temps without breaking down.

For Teflon lovers, ceramic cookware may be your new go-to. Its slippery surface means food slides right off. And because it doesn’t break down in high heat, it’s safe to use for any skillet recipes.

What will happen in other states?

It’s hard to predict how many other states will follow Minnesota with PFAS cookware bans. The states that have already announced phase-outs of PFAS cookware include Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island and Vermont.

A group called the Cookware Sustainability Alliance is suing Minnesota over the cookware ban. This group has successfully prevented bans in other states, so we’ll stay tuned and share updates as we learn them.