New York State Police are advocating for a ban on nonstick cookware that contains “permanent chemicals.” Interestingly, even California Governor Gavin Newsom has hesitated over a similar proposal in his state, referring to it as both costly and ill-conceived.
The FDA has been approving chemicals for cookware for many years now.
The nonstick cookware under scrutiny is primarily made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a type of synthetic chemical associated with perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which critics claim are harmful.
New York’s proposed legislation aims to eliminate not just pots and pans, but also various items such as certain paints, auto parts, cleaning products, rugs, ski wax, and polishes.
This bill successfully passed through the state Senate on February 10, but it still awaits a vote in the Assembly.
Under the proposed legislation by state Sen. Peter Harckham and state Rep. Deborah Glick, some widely-used and affordable cookware containing PFAS could disappear from stores by as early as 2028.
In California, Governor Newsom recently vetoed a similar bill, arguing that it would burden consumers and drive up costs.
He expressed concerns about how such a ban could limit the availability of affordable cooking options for the public.
Meanwhile, the cookware industry is actively working against New York City’s suggested ban on nonstick pans.
Steve Burns, president of the Cookware Sustainability Association, criticized lawmakers for disregarding scientific evidence regarding the safety of these products, noting that the same compounds used in nonstick cookware are found in human pacemakers.
He added, “Many New Yorkers are struggling to buy food, and the last thing they need is a ban on expensive cooking pots.”
On the flip side, Democratic lawmakers are standing by the bill, viewing it as crucial for public health and the protection of drinking water.
Glick pointed out the serious impacts of PFAS contamination, especially in areas like Rockland County, which is now taking substantial measures to filter its water supply.
“We cannot allow contamination to continue,” she stated. “New York State must take action to clean up the environment and phase out the use of PFAS in products.”
