There is a growing focus on the potential health effects associated with using aluminum cookware – an inexpensive and lightweight staple in kitchens around the world. Although not very common in the US, experts say that it is still possible to find aluminum products in your kitchen, especially if you have dishes-me-downs, obtained from antique stores or kitchenware from abroad (which can be purchased online) . In a recent study looking at whether aluminum cookware could put a person at risk of lead poisoning, researchers bought and tested the products in their home in Washington, using products they could find in a store or online.
Aluminum cookware can contaminate food with lead
Researchers tested 100 aluminum, brass and stainless-steel pans and pressure cookers to see if they contained lead and could contaminate food with it. “The study revealed many aluminum cookware and pressure cookware that released enough lead under simulated cooking and storage conditions to pose a significant risk of lead poisoning,” says Katie Fellows, one of the authors and an environmental scientist at the Seattle Department of Health. and King County. “Findings are especially important for children and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, because of the effects of lead on children’s brain development.”
The findings from this study are so important that, in response, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a letter to cookware vendors and distributors telling them not to distribute the cookware tested by Fellows and his team.
Stainless-steel, cast iron and ceramic cookware are safe
The research also showed that “stainless steel cookware and cookware are safer alternatives,” says Fellows, as are cast iron (especially when covered) and ceramic cookware. These tools have a low risk of falling and are durable with proper care.
Products made of anodized aluminum without wooden belts are safe choices if they are not damaged, says Wesley McWhorter, a spokesman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, because “they are less prone to leaching.” But note: Pots and pans with non-stick coatings such as Teflon can present their own risks, especially if they are used at high temperatures (over 500 ° F) or if the non-stick is scratched or damaged.
Ways to reduce exposure
Of course, cookware isn’t cheap, and replacing potentially dangerous options in one fell swoop may be impossible (although you should throw out any lead-containing items tested by Fellows and his team if you find them in your kitchen). If your budget doesn’t have room to replace aluminum cookware or worn-out cookware right now, Fellows recommends hand-washing cookware with non-abrasive and mild soap and avoiding cooking acidic foods (such as vinegar, fruit and tomatoes) to “reduce the chance of spills.” Finally, do not store food in aluminum cookware, because if the food is sealed on the surface, there is a greater chance of heavy metals entering your food.
Find more tips to reduce your exposure on the King County Public Health website.
Inspect the cooking equipment and kitchen you have
Places where you can find aluminum in your home include cookware, baking sheets, roasting pans, measuring cups, large cookware (such as crockpots or other large dishes) and in your regular pots and pans. It’s a good idea to do some quick research, because there is strong evidence that cooking with aluminum can be dangerous to your health. One thing to note: Most cookware has an aluminum core covered in a safe material such as stainless-steel or non-toxic enamel, which Fellows says is a solid choice, because “it’s impossible for aluminum to come off.”
If you find aluminum products in your kitchen and are looking for safer options, consider replacing them with some of these non-toxic cookware alternatives.
Nontoxic cookware and skillets
Lodge
Lodge is a reliable workhorse in the cast-iron skillet world with affordable technology that works well. It’s a bit lighter than most, which is great for quick maneuvering and easy lifting. Our reviewer especially liked the comfort of the long, ergonomic handle and the addition of an assistant on the side.
$60 on Amazon
Macy’s
A replacement at a low price, this 10-inch skillet has been selected as Yahoo’s most valuable in the cast-iron category and comes from a company that has been making them for almost 100 years. Our reviewer liked the smooth surface of the pan and how easily food slides out of it. One downside: It weighs a little more than some of the others.
$21 at Macy’s
GreenPan
These pan-coated, eco-friendly, nonstick pans get rave reviews, especially given their price. If you want to replace several pans, this set is important (it includes 8-, 9.5- and 11-inch fry pans), but you can also choose from their individual pans which exact replacement you need.
$100 at Amazon
Calphalon
If you want to upgrade your entire set of pots and pans in one go, the best option where quality meets capacity is a 10-piece, stainless-steel set from Calphalon, which is often sold.
$149 at Wayfair
Caraway
At the high end of cookware and bakeware, Caraway stands out as one of the best options out there. Our editors love that it burns quickly and evenly and is reliably untouchable. “You shouldn’t use too much butter or oil, even if you’re pan-frying things,” Yahoo’s Health editors say. Plus, these sturdy workers (yes, they’re on the heavy side) can handle anything your oven can throw at them up to 550 degrees F. It’s definitely a great investment, but it comes at a big price.
$355 on Amazon
Nontoxic bakeware and cookie sheets
Wildone
These cast-iron baking sheets are a great choice if you’re looking to replace an old set or aluminum cookie pans. The small size is even suitable for most toaster ovens.
$32 on Amazon
Caraway
These high-end sheets with an aluminum core covered with a non-toxic ceramic coating are highly desirable for their baking and easy release of cookies or whatever you choose to cook on them. You can grab one pan here.
$90 at Caraway
Lodge
Although cast-iron bakeware may not be as commonly used as cast-iron skillets or Dutch ovens, it’s a good, safe option if you’re looking to make a change to your kitchen. This set covers the basics of casseroles, breads, pies and muffins.
$131 on Amazon
Nontoxic kitchen tools for preparation
Anchor Hocking
This set meets all your cooking needs at a great price, and the glass bowls are very versatile in the kitchen, as they are dishwasher, microwave and freezer safe. Chefs like them for transparency when consistency is key in a dish, as is often the case in cooking.
$40 at Amazon
bamboozle
If you still have your grandfather’s aluminum measuring cups in your kitchen drawer, consider using them for some cool decor and switch to these Bamboo versions. Bamboo is a safe alternative, and these colors are attractive.
$28 on Amazon
OXO
If you are looking to replace your measuring cups and spoons, OXO is a great brand known for its quality construction. In addition, stainless steel is a durable, safe material and these will bond tightly to free up space in your kitchen drawers.
$32 on Amazon
Nontoxic roasting pan
Cooks Standard
This affordable roaster is popular with food journalists and Amazon reviewers alike. Its thickness gives even roasting, or adding a little weight. No matter, the wide handles are easy to hold. This version is on the small side (it won’t fit your Thanksgiving turkey), but the company offers a larger model that will.
$47 on Amazon
FAQs
How can I reduce aluminum leaching?
First, make sure that any aluminum cookware or bakeware you are using is coated in other materials, such as stainless steel or ceramic, or anodized to help reduce the chance of leaks. Avoid cooking highly acidic foods in aluminum pans, as this can increase the chance of spillage. Cooking at high temperatures (over 500°F) is also not suitable for aluminum cookware or cooking. Finally, if your pans seem scratched or damaged, it’s time to replace them.
Are there specific groups that should avoid aluminum cookware?
Be sure to cross-reference your cookware with the list of aluminum materials found by the Fellows team that can lead to poisoning. This should not be used by anyone, even children and pregnant or lactating women who are at greater risk of adverse health effects from using the products.
Additionally, aluminum can leach into small amounts of foods cooked in aluminum cookware, especially those that are not anodized or coated in other materials. Some intake of aluminum is expected, but the World Health Organization (WHO) has set the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) of aluminum to 2 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, so it is important to be careful to avoid excessive or unknowing intake. People with kidney disease may want to pay close attention to what they can eat with aluminum (which is also common in meat and other foods), as their kidneys may have a lot of trouble clearing it from the body. Ask a doctor for personal advice.
Meet our experts
-
Katie Fellows, an environmental scientist in the Seattle and King County Health Department
Our health information is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Ask a health care professional for questions about your health.