The Hidden Danger of a Scratched Pan: What You’re Really Cooking With
- Elisabeth Carson
- Jul 5, 2025
- 2 min read
That little scratch on your non-stick pan? It might be doing more than just sticking your eggs.
A 2024 study revealed that a single scratch on a Teflon-coated (PTFE) pan can release up to 9,000 microplastic particles into your food. If the coating is badly damaged, that number can jump to over 2 million particles per use (PML, Prince EA).
Most non-stick cookware is made with PTFE—commonly known as Teflon. When heated or scratched, it can shed tiny plastic particles you can’t see, but may end up eating. These microplastics are being studied for their links to inflammation, hormone disruption, and long-term health concerns.
“Even at low levels, repeated exposure to microplastics through food could contribute to the body’s toxic burden,” says Dr. Deonie Allen, an environmental scientist studying household microplastic exposure (Food & Wine).
So what can you do? The solution is refreshingly simple:
If your non-stick pan is scratched, replace it.
Better yet, switch to safer options like:
Cast iron – naturally non-stick when seasoned and lasts a lifetime
Stainless steel – durable, no coatings
Ceramic – non-toxic, PFAS-free, and easy to clean
At unLimited, we’re all about small shifts that lead to powerful change. Choosing clean cookware is a tangible way to care for your body and your future—one meal at a time.
Take a moment today to check your pans.
A scratched surface might be telling you it’s time to let go—and make room for something better.
💬 Have a cookware favorite that makes you feel good inside and out? Share it below.
🎙️ Coming up on the podcast: we talk low-tox kitchens and mindful meals with a holistic nutritionist who swears by cast iron.
📚 Sources