Do nonstick baking sheets release chemicals at high temperatures?

What's actually in it

Nonstick baking sheets and pans are often coated with plastic-based materials designed to keep food from sticking. When you heat these surfaces, they don't just sit there. They release a variety of chemicals that move directly into your food.

These materials are not stable at high temperatures. As they break down, they shed particles and chemical compounds that end up in your meal. You are essentially eating the coating along with your dinner.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Food Chem used high-tech screening to track what happens when plastic food contact materials are used for cooking. The science is clear: chemicals transfer from the surface of the cookware into the food during the cooking process.

This peer-reviewed research confirms that these materials are not safe for high-heat use. The heat causes the material to release substances that contaminate your food. If you are using nonstick sheets, you are likely consuming these transferred chemicals every time you bake.