Is it safer to cook eggs in cast iron or a nonstick pan?
Cast iron. It doesn't shed PFAS or plastic, and a seasoned surface doesn't stick for eggs.
What's actually in it
Nonstick pans use PTFE coatings made with PFAS chemistry. Scratched or overheated coating sheds PTFE particles into eggs. A properly seasoned cast iron pan releases a little iron (good for most people) and no plastic or PFAS.
Eggs are the classic "you need nonstick" dish. A preheated, lightly oiled cast iron skillet handles eggs without sticking.
What the research says
A 2025 study in J Hazard Mater showed PTFE micro and nanoplastics caused oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and DNA breaks in human intestinal cells. A 2025 study found cast iron leaches iron (mostly beneficial) and not problem metals.
Preheat cast iron on medium for 2 minutes, add a teaspoon of butter or oil, swirl, then crack the eggs. No sticking, no shed coating.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| PTFE microplastics induce oxidative stress in human intestinal cells. | J Hazard Mater | 2025 |
| Heavy metal transitions from cooking utensils. | Int J Environ Health Res | 2025 |
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