Doctor warns against using these popular cooking pans: ‘they can increase cancer risk’

Non-stick and ceramic pans can be potentially harmful is scratched (Representational image)

Experts have long warned against using aluminium utensils and non-stick pans for their many drawbacks and potential health risks. Now, a doctor has brought the issue to limelight again with a viral TikTok video.

Dr Poonam Desai has explained how non-stick and ceramic pans can adversely affect the user’s health if said utensils are chipped or scratched. In her TikTok video which has been viewed over half a million times, Dr Desai explained that non-stick pans that have been scratched or chipped can leach millions of microplastics into our food, which in turn can lead to myriad health issues.

“Nonstick pans that have been scratched or chipped … can leach millions of microplastics into our food,” the New York-based physician warned. “Microplastics are endocrine disruptors. They can cause hormone imbalances, fertility issues, and even increase our risk of cancer.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dr. Poonam Desai| Health, Longevity, Fitness (@doctoranddancer)

But if you think ceramic pans are a viable alternative to non-stick cookware, Dr Desai is here to dispel that notion. She claims that scratched ceramic cookware can be equally harmful because ceramic pans have a layer of aluminium underneath. Aluminium can leach into food which is again potentially harmful, with some research indicating a link between aluminium in food and Alzheimer's disease.

Cast-iron and stainless steel are considered safe alternatives to aluminium or non-stick pans. Dr Desai herself prefers to use these options and says that she throws away any non-stick or ceramic pans if they are scratched or chipped.