PFCs, or polyfluoroalkyl chemicals are everywhere — from Teflon pans to stain resistant carpeting and take-out food containers. A new study shows a strong association between these chemicals and increased human cholesterol levels.

Learn more on Living on Earth radio (or read the transcript) with host Jeff Young talks with the lead author of this study, Jessica Nelson, a public health researcher at Boston University’s School of Public Health.
Link here.>>>>

What to do? I have a friend whose pots and pans are all Teflon; it is expensive to throw them all out and start anew. And is it safe to throw them into a landfill? Hardly, but I don’t know what the answer there is.

I’ve found some great stainless steel and cast iron pans at yard sales, and Marshall’s is a good source for less expensive high-end cookware such as Le Creuset that may be slightly damaged. The safest cookware is glass, followed by stainless steel and baked enamel pans such as are made by Le Creuset.

–Annie B. Bond