Can PFOA from nonstick pans cause miscarriages?
Possibly. A 2025 study found that PFOA exposure causes macrophage dysfunction that can induce spontaneous miscarriages in an animal model.
What's actually in it
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was the original PFAS chemical used to make Teflon. Though officially phased out, PFOA persists in the environment and in older cookware. It remains in the blood of most people for years after exposure and crosses the placenta to reach the developing embryo.
What the research says
A 2025 study in Adv Sci found that PFOA exposure causes macrophage ammonia retention, which disrupts immune cell function at the maternal-fetal interface. This dysfunction induced spontaneous miscarriages in the animal model.
Replace any old Teflon cookware. Use cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic. Filter drinking water to remove legacy PFAS contamination.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Perfluorooctanoic Acid Exposure Causes Macrophage Ammonia Retention and Induces Spontaneous Miscarriages. | Adv Sci (Weinh) | 2025 |
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