Kitchen

PTFE coating degrades above 260°C, releasing PFAS gases and particles. A pan left on high heat reaches this temperature in minutes. Birds in nearby rooms have been killed by the fumes. The coating also scratches over time, shedding particles directly into food.

Cast iron, carbon steel, or stainless steel cookware

Cast iron is the most affordable. Carbon steel heats faster. Stainless steel is the easiest to clean. All last a lifetime with basic care.

The majority of food cans are lined with epoxy resins containing BPA or its replacement BPS. Acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus leach more. BPA is detectable in the blood of people who eat canned food regularly.

Fresh, frozen, or glass-jarred alternatives

Brands like Biona and Jovial use BPA-free Tetra Pak cartons or glass jars. Frozen vegetables are nutritionally comparable to tinned and carry no lining risk.

All plastics shed microplastics over time. Heating plastic containers in the microwave dramatically accelerates leaching. Studies find hundreds of thousands of plastic particles per litre of liquid stored in polypropylene containers.

Glass or stainless steel containers with metal or silicone lids

Pyrex glass containers are a widely available and cost-effective option. For packed lunches, stainless steel bento boxes are durable and easy to clean.

Most disposable cups have a thin plastic lining. A 2019 study found that hot liquid dissolves this lining, releasing approximately 25,000 micron-sized plastic particles per 100ml of liquid into your drink.

Reusable glass or stainless steel travel cup

Frank Green, Klean Kanteen and Fellow all make high-quality options. Avoid bamboo cups, which typically use melamine plastic binders that also leach at high temperatures.

Boiling water inside a plastic kettle releases microplastic particles and can leach BPA from the lining. A 2024 study found plastic kettles release millions of particles per boil.

Stainless steel or glass kettle

Ensure the kettle interior is stainless steel rather than plastic-coated. Brands: Smeg, Cuisinart, or any basic stainless steel option.

PVC-based cling films contain plasticisers including phthalates that migrate into fatty foods on contact. Never use cling film to cover food being heated.

Beeswax wraps, silicone stretch lids, or plate-on-plate covering

Beeswax wraps work well for bread, cheese and fruit. Silicone stretch lids seal bowls and cut vegetables. Both are reusable and long-lasting.

Stirring with nylon or plastic spatulas in hot pans has been shown to release millions of microplastic particles per use. Heat accelerates shedding significantly.

Wooden, bamboo, or stainless steel utensils

Wooden utensils are inexpensive and effective. Avoid silicone tools labelled as containing fillers: look for 100% food-grade platinum silicone if using silicone.

The inner lining of microwave popcorn bags is coated with PFAS to prevent oil absorption. Heating vaporises these compounds directly into the food.

Plain popcorn kernels popped in a stainless steel pot or glass microwave bowl

Takes two minutes on the hob in any heavy-based pan with a lid. No PFAS, no artificial flavourings.