PTFE is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene that comprises carbon and fluorine atoms. PTFE was discovered in the year 1938 on April 6th by Roy J. Plunket, an American scientist.
Then it was later introduced to the market in the year 1946. Ever since it has been used widely in different fields of work.
As PTFE continues to be hugely popular, people have raised a debate as to whether it is safe to be used or not.
Reasons why PTFE is Safe for Use
i. PTFE has non-sticking capabilities hence only a few substances can be able to adhere.
ii. It is non-wetting, hence PTFE surface is completely hydrophobic and not readily wet. This makes it easy to clean.
iii. PTFE has a low coefficient of friction with a range of 0.05 to 0.20 depending on the load that is sliding.
iv. PTFE can withstand very high temperatures of up to 3000C without losing its crystalline structure, making PTFE a cryogenic stable material. So, on the question whether PTFE is safe for high temperature or cooling, the answer is yes.
v. PTFE is not reactive to most chemicals except for only to alkali metals and fluorinated agents.
vi. It is resistant to degradation by weather, UV light, and corrosive elements.
In a nutshell, let me be direct to the point:
- Is PTFE coating safe? – YES.
- Is PTFE safe for cooking? – YES.
- Is PTFE safe for human? – YES.
FDA on PTFE
The FDA is an administration responsible for assuring the safety and security of human drugs, biological products, nations’ food supply, and products that emit radiation.
PTFE materials above 3000c will begin breaking down which is well above the normal cooking temperatures.
FDA has approved 21 PTFE coatings that can be used in cookware. They are available in water, solvents, and powder form.
The following are the PTFE types that are approved by FDA;-
| Product | Description | Color | Chemistry | Max DFT(mils) | Coverage(ft2/mil) | carrier |
| 420-703 | PFA/FEP primer | Black | NA | .6 | 186 | Solvent |
| 857G-030/040/100 | PTFE/PFA/FEP primer | Black | NA | .3 – .6 | 189-292 | Water |
| 699N-129 | ETFE primer | Black | NA | .5 | 339 | Water |
| 532G-42331 | PFA/FEP primer | Black | NA | 1.5 | 88.8 | Powder |
| 959G-203 | PFA/FEP One Coat/primer | Black | FEP/PAI | 2.5/.5 | 319 | Solvent |
| 959G-205 | PFA/FEP One Coat/primer | Brown | FEP/PAI | 2.5/.5 | 276 | Solvent |
| 420G-104/129/109 | One Coat | Black, Sparkling,
black, Gray |
PTFE/PES | .8 | 232 | Solvent |
| 958G-203 | 958G-203 One Coat | Black | FEP/PAI | 2.5 | 319 | Solvent |
| 852G-201 | Standard Grade | Clear | PTFE | 3 | 484 | Water |
| 856G-200 | 856G-200 Standard Grade | Clear | FEP | 2 | 686 | Water |
| 532G-8110 | Standard Grade | Clear | FEP | 6 | 89 | Powder |
| 532G-5010 | Standard Grade | Clear | PFA | 10 | 89 | Powder |
| 532G-7000 | Standard Grade Sparkling | Clear | PFA | 10 | 89 | Powder |
| 532G-5011 | Standard Grade – Fine | Clear | PFA | 5 | 89 | Powder |
| 532G-5310 | Stress Crack Resistant | Clear | PFA | 10 | 90 | Powder |
| 532G-7410 | Stress Crack Resistant | Clear | PFA | 10 | 89 | Powder |
| 532G-13032 | Abrasion Resistant | Gray | PFA | 6 | 86 | Powder |
| 858G-210 | Topcoat | Clear | PFA | 3 | 365 | Water |
| 532G-6200 | Ultra-smooth | White | ETFE | 8 | 110 | Powder |
| 532G-6310 | High Build | Clear | ETFE | 40 | 110 | Powder |
| 532G-6314 | High Build | Green | ETFE | 40 | 110 | Powder |
In short to answer the questions:
- Is PTFE cookware safe? – YES.
- Is PTFE non-stick coating safe for cookware? – YES.
Some of the Myths on PTFE Safety
Using Non-stick Coating is Not Good
This is completely wrong. The truth is that cooking with products that are coated with PTFE is safe.
Usually, the normal cooking temperatures are not high enough to begin the decomposition of PTFE.
Furthermore, it reduces the amount of fat to cook food which results in a decrease in cardiovascular deceases.
Non-stick Coatings Wear Off easily
This is not true since PTFE coatings are built to last a lifetime.
All the Coatings are the Same
This is not true since PTFE coating works best and outperforms the rest of the coatings.
PTFE non-stick Coating is Affected Negatively by High Heat
PTFE cookware is made to withstand very high amounts of temperatures of up to 5000F. You can learn more about PTFE temperature range.
PTFE is Hazardous when Ingested
This is not true since.
If ingested, it may only lead to the occurrence of symptoms like vomiting or diarrhoea. You should only see a doctor if the symptoms persist.
Conclusion
PTFE is a safe material to use because a breakdown of the substance begins at high temperatures of 3000 C. This is normal circumstances is difficult to attain.
Lastly, the Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of PTFE as it is not harmful at normal temperatures.
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