What is the difference between PFAS, PFOA and PTFE?

The three terms

According to the US EPA, PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a group of thousands of human-made chemicals. They have been used in many products because they resist heat, water and grease.

PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) is the plastic-like coating used on many nonstick pans. It is a fluorinated polymer, and many agencies and manufacturers group it with the PFAS family.

PFOA is one specific PFAS chemical. It was used as a processing aid in manufacturing some fluoropolymers, including PTFE. The EPA worked with major manufacturers on a stewardship program to phase out PFOA, and cookware makers began advertising PFOA-free products.

Why PFOA-free is not the same as PFAS-free

A PFOA-free label tells you about one chemical. It does not tell you whether the coating itself is a PFAS. A PTFE pan can be made without PFOA and still contain PTFE.

If you want to avoid PFAS in cookware, read for the exact words. A statement that a pan has no PFAS, no PTFE and no PFOA is more complete than a PFOA-free claim alone.

How to read cookware labels

Our PFAS-free cookware guide compares stainless steel, cast iron, carbon steel, ceramic and enamel, and explains what each label claim does and does not say.

• Look for the coating name on the box or product page (PTFE, ceramic, enamel, or bare metal such as stainless steel or cast iron).
• Read what the maker says about PFAS, not only about PFOA.
• Check the care instructions, since manufacturers give temperature limits for coated pans.

Questions about health

This page explains labels and does not give medical advice. If you have a health question about chemicals in products, ask your doctor, and see the EPA's PFAS pages for its current information.

Sources

• US EPA PFAS information pages
• US EPA PFOA Stewardship Program
• Manufacturer care and coating information