By Dr Emily Wiggins

When it comes to reducing the toxin burden on your body, we are often working to help your body eliminate toxins that are built up in your system.

The other piece of this work is to also reduce your exposure to external toxins from your environment. This means choosing more natural or “clean” products and home goods to reduce the number of harmful chemicals that are consumed, breathed, drank and absorbed through your skin.

Toxic Cookware to Avoid for a Healthier Home

Cookware is an important part of reducing exposure to toxins from your environment because if you’re cooking at home on a regular basis, and we hope you are, your cookware could be a source of chemicals that are linked to cancer and hormone disruption.

Certain kinds of cookware are of particular concern and when heated, can release harmful fumes. Non-stick coatings, even on some ceramic cookware, are known to contain PFAs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), including PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).

PFAS are “forever chemicals”, which means they do not break down in the environment. They are linked to autoimmune conditions, liver and kidney damage, cancers and hormone imbalance (such as thyroid disease and infertility). Heavy metals have also been found in glazes and in some stainless steel, which can also pose risks. These metals can affect neurological function and impair essential mineral absorption.

Cookware to avoid includes: non-stick and Teflon coated pans, aluminum pans, coated ceramic cookware and silicon bakeware.

Non Toxic Cookware We Love

Cast Iron

Cast iron has stood the test of time and if you’ve been frustrated with how it sticks, it’s probably just because the pan hasn’t been seasoned properly OR the surface is too textured.

A lot of high quality cast iron can actually be found at thrift stores. With a simple clean and reseasoning, used cast iron can last lifetime after lifetime. Tried and true brands that can be found used are Wagner and Griswold. Cast iron can be purchased new as well. Brands like Lodge come with a textured surface and can be harder to make non-stick but it is possible. We prefer the pans from Field Company and Finex if you’re purchasing new cast iron.

Enameled Cast Iron

Enameled cast iron is also a great choice, especially for dutch ovens and saucepans. Staub and Le Creuset are both classic brands. They can be found new or often come up on resale websites for a fraction of the retail price.

100% Ceramic

Many ceramic cookware brands are marketing their ceramic coated cookware, but Xtrema is 100% ceramic cookware. Their cookware can be used with any cooking surface, even the grill. They have been tested to be sure they don’t leach and are free of all potentially harmful toxins. It’s a small learning curve to use their cookware (you just need to make sure to let it properly preheat and use enough high quality cooking fat) but when used properly, they’re also non-stick.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel pans that are known to be free of heavy metals are also a solid non-toxic choice. The brand Made In tests for cadmium, lead and other possible toxins in their cookware.

How to Choose Safe, Non-Toxic Cookware for a Healthier Kitchen

Choosing the right cookware is one of those small, everyday decisions that adds up to a big impact on your long-term health. By investing in safe, durable options, you’re not only protecting yourself and your family from unnecessary toxin exposure, but also creating a kitchen environment that truly supports nourishment and vitality.

Remember, this isn’t about perfection or replacing everything all at once. Start with one or two upgrades where it feels most doable, and build from there. Over time, these intentional choices make cooking at home not just healthier, but more joyful and deeply aligned with your wellbeing.