When the non-stick coating is significantly damaged, such as through deep scratches, chipping, or breaking, larger pieces of the coating can break off. The figure of 2 million microplastic particles reflects the potential for more severe degradation of the coating, where it is no longer intact. This kind of damage can occur when the pan is exposed to high temperatures, excessively scratched, or used for many years.
4. Environmental and Health Impacts:
Microplastics are concerning because they do not easily degrade and can enter the food chain or accumulate in the environment. While ingesting small amounts of microplastics from cookware might not cause immediate harm, the long-term effects are still not fully understood, and concerns about potential health risks are rising. Additionally, non-stick pans can contain chemicals like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which has been linked to environmental and health issues, though many manufacturers have phased it out.
5. Mitigating the Risk:
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