California Governor Vetoes Bill Banning 'Forever Chemicals' in Cookware. Here's Why

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has rejected a bill that would have banned PFAS in cookware in California. 

PFAS, which stands for poly and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are manmade chemicals that have been in use in the US since the 1940s. Commonly referred to as forever chemicals, they fail to break down in the environment or body over time and have been linked to possible health effects. PFAS are found in clothing, packaging and nonstick cookware, among various other items.

According to a study from the National Library of Medicine, which looked at PFAS in items that come into contact with food, the highest content of PFAS was found in microwave popcorn bags and nonstick cookware, "probably because they reach very high temperatures and are used for long periods," the study states. "Moreover, the aging kitchen utensils, intended for repeated use, should be considered when evaluating the migration of PFAS."

Why Governor Newsom says he vetoed the bill

In a statement explaining why he rejected the proposed bill, Newsom stated that if passed, the bill "would result in a sizable and rapid shift in cooking products available to Californians," adding that he was "deeply concerned" it would impact "the availability of affordable options in cooking products." 

Nonstick pans are usually significantly cheaper than nontoxic options. Despite this rejection, California has banned PFAS from other items in the state, including menstruation products, as studies into the chemicals continue. 

What are the risks associated with nonstick cookware?

Nonstick cookware containing forever chemicals have been connected with an increase in certain diseases, including cancer.

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According to the CDC's Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, "epidemiological evidence suggests" that exposure to specific types of PFAS may increase certain health effects, such as cholesterol levels, liver enzymes, kidney and testicular cancer, and more, depending on exposure and individual factors. 

"At this time, scientists are still learning about the health effects of exposures to mixtures of different PFAS," the agency stated. "Additional research may change our understanding of the relationship between exposure to PFAS and human health effects."

State Sen. Benjamin Allen, the author of the proposed California bill, told The Los Angeles Times that he was disappointed in the decision. 

"We know there are safer alternatives, [but] I understand there were strong voices on both sides on this topic," he told the outlet, later adding, "I'm hopeful we can continue working on a transition away from these dangerous products which already have safer alternatives at reasonable prices available on the market."

How to reduce the risk of nonstick cookware-related health issues

Scratched nonstick cookware and pans heated to above 500 degrees F are associated with higher health risks. 

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Generally, nonstick cookware becomes unsafe when heated above a certain temperature or when they surface is scratched repeatedly, leading to consumption of the chemical coating. For more, read our guide to nonstick cookware safety and how to tell if your pans are safe.