Is it safe to use a nonstick pan if it has a small scratch?
No. A 2025 study showed PTFE particles from scratched nonstick pans damage gut cells. Toss scratched pans.
What's actually in it
Nonstick coatings are PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), made using PFAS chemicals. The coating is bonded to the pan, but it's not indestructible. A metal spatula, a stiff sponge, or a dishwasher cycle can scratch it. Once scratched, the pan sheds PTFE flakes into every meal you cook.
The smaller the flake, the more it matters. Nanoparticles slip inside cells.
What the research says
A 2025 study in J Hazard Mater exposed human intestinal cells to PTFE particles and nanoplastics at doses consistent with real kitchens. The cells showed oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and DNA breaks. Nanoparticles did more damage than microparticles.
Scratched nonstick pans can't be rehabilitated. Replace with cast iron, carbon steel, or 18/10 stainless steel, which last a lifetime and don't shed particles.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Polytetrafluoroethylene microplastics and nanoplastics induce oxidative stress in human intestinal cells. | J Hazard Mater | 2025 |
What to use instead
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