March 2,Kathmandu.You must be using a non-stick pan in your house. You might have got scratches while washing it. Despite this, you are still using it. If this is true, then this study is for you.
According to a study published in Science Direct in the year 2022, if there is just a 5 cm scratch on a non-stick pan, then 23 lakh microplastics are released. These microplastics mix with food and go into our stomach and can cause more than 10 serious diseases.
Therefore, today in 'Sehatnama' we will talk about the harm caused by non-stick pan. Also, we will know that-
- How dangerous are the microplastics coming out from scratch?
- Which diseases are increasing the risk due to this?
Toxins released from PAN in the blood of 99% of people
People in America have been using non-stick pans for many years before us. Many studies have consistently shown that the use of non-stick pans increases the risk of serious diseases, so a study was conducted in the year 2020. This study, published in the National Library of Medicine, found that 99% of the people in America have at least detectable toxins in their blood, which are released after a scratch on a non-stick pan.
The matter of concern is that the non-stick pan which was first introduced in the kitchens of developed countries is now being widely used in many developing countries including India. Therefore, the risk of diseases caused by scratched non-stick pan is increasing in Nepal too.
What diseases are at risk from scratches on pan?
The chemicals released due to scratches on non-stick pan can cause thyroid problems and heart diseases. This can also damage the liver.
Why does cancer occur?
Scratching a non-stick pan releases toxic chemicals like PFAS and PTFE. These get mixed in whatever is cooked in the pan and go into our stomach. These chemicals and microplastics enter the bloodstream, increase oxidative stress and disturb DNA. This increases the risk of liver, kidney and testicular cancer.
Why does heart disease occur?
PFAS released from scratched non-stick pans disturb lipid metabolism (fat digestion process) in the body. This increases bad cholesterol i.e. LDL. It starts accumulating in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
A 2018 Harvard University study found that people with high levels of PFAS chemicals in their blood are twice as likely to develop heart disease and high blood pressure than others.
Why does the liver get damaged?
The toxins released from a scratched non-stick pan reach our stomach along with our food. Apart from digesting food, the liver also detoxifies the body and removes toxins. The liver has a lot of difficulty in detoxifying these dangerous toxins and it starts getting damaged.
Why does thyroid problem occur?
Chemicals released from a scratched non-stick pan can enter the body and disturb the functioning of the thyroid gland. This can lead to hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and autoimmune thyroid disease.
- According to a Harvard University study, people with high levels of PFAS in their bodies are 50% more likely to suffer from hormonal imbalances.
- According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism in 2020, chemicals such as PFAS increase the risk of people developing Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This is an autoimmune thyroid disease.