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Plastic-Free Rating
Cookware
Mainstream Brand
Cookware·T-fal

Classic Non-Stick Fry Pan

F
PFR Grade
Avoid — high plastic content with documented health risks
PTFE (Teflon) coating releases PFAS chemicals when overheated or scratched. PFAS are 'forever chemicals' linked to cancer, thyroid disease, and immune suppression.
PFR Avoid

T-fal's non-stick pans use a PTFE (Teflon) coating. When scratched or overheated, PTFE releases PFAS 'forever chemicals' directly into food. PFAS have been detected in the blood of 97% of Americans and are associated with serious health outcomes.

Score Breakdown

How scores are calculated

Materials (40%): How plastic-free the product is — raw materials, construction, and coatings.

Packaging (20%): Is the product packaged in plastic? Is it recyclable?

Transparency (20%): Does the brand disclose ingredients, sourcing, and manufacturing?

Durability (20%): How long does it last? Longer-lasting products reduce plastic waste over time.

Materials
2
Packaging
2
Transparency
3
Durability
4

This is a rating of this specific product only — not the company. Other products from this brand may score differently.

Last updated: April 8, 2026

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Critical Exposure Risk — Why This Product Category Matters

PTFE-coated pans release PFAS chemicals when the coating is scratched or heated above 500°F (260°C). PFAS are associated with kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, and immune suppression.

Synthetic Plastic Content
%
synthetic plastic by weight

Why We Rated It This Way

The non-stick convenience is not worth the PFAS exposure. Cast iron, stainless steel, or PTFE-free ceramic alternatives deliver excellent cooking performance without the chemical risk.

Chemical & Health Analysis

Each chemical of concern is broken down below — what it is, where it comes from in this product, what it does to the body, and who is most at risk.

Contains:PTFE (Teflon coating)
1

PFAS (PTFE breakdown products)

Source

Non-stick pan coating

Health Risk

Kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, immune suppression

Who Is Most At RiskEveryone, especially pregnant women and children

All health claims are based on published, peer-reviewed research from the NIH, WHO, IARC, and peer-reviewed journals. This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.

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