Stop Using This Kitchen Utensil Immediately, Says Injury Lawyer - Newsweek

Oct 16, 2024

An injury lawyer has urged everyone to throw out a common household item due to their link to cancer.

In a recent viral video, attorney Tom Bosworth (@tommythelawyer), 35, the owner and founder of Bosworth Law in Philadelphia, urged viewers to dispose of their nonstick frying pans. The clip has garnered almost 200,000 likes and over 3.3 million views as Bosworth (@lawyertombosworth) warns against the cancer risks.

Bosworth told Newsweek: "The chemicals that are used to make these frying pans 'nonstick' are toxic and cancerous.

"Specifically, these types of frying pans contain 'forever chemicals' known as PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFOA, a type of PFAS called perfluorooctanoic acid," Bosworth said.

"They can also contain Teflon, aka PTFE, which is toxic because Teflon often contains PFAS or PFOA, which can cause more damage when overheated." Bosworth added that these chemicals can pose significant health risks, particularly when heated.

In his role as a catastrophic injury lawyer, Bosworth has seen firsthand the hidden dangers of various products.

He says in the video: "The one product that I would tell anybody, that I think is extremely common, that I would tell anybody not to use, that might sound stupid, is nonstick frying pans."

Bosworth told Newsweek that scientific and medical research continues to build a case against these forever chemicals.

PFAS and PFOA have been linked to various cancers, including kidney, bladder, ovarian, testicular, prostate, melanoma, uterine, breast, and thyroid cancers.

"The route of exposure, depending on the particular type of PFAS chemical and the type of cancer, can be through inhalation (fumes that emit from the pan when heated) or through digestion (eating food cooked on the pan)," Bosworth said.

When asked if he has encountered cases involving PFAS exposure, Bosworth added that he is handling several cases for people in the Philadelphia area—a region previously identified as a PFAS hotspot.

"Each case requires its own careful analysis, and we have various experts who help us to identify which cases can be causatively linked to PFAS exposure, which is often caused by exposure in drinking water as opposed to nonstick pans.

"I am also investigating cases for people who have used 'nonstick' pans for significant amounts of time and later developed certain cancers or health problems," he shared.

Nonstick cookware, especially those containing Teflon (PTFE), has long been scrutinized for safety risks. PFOA, once a common ingredient in Teflon production, has been phased out in many countries, but the risks associated with PFAS chemicals remain.

Healthline reports that while cooking at high temperatures, these chemicals can break down, releasing toxic fumes that may contribute to health problems like flu-like symptoms, as well as more serious issues linked to long-term exposure.

Additionally, while nonstick cookware is popular for its ease of use, experts recommend that consumers consider stainless steel or cast-iron alternatives, which avoid the health concerns linked to PFAS and PFOA chemicals.

One viewer of Bosworth's video shared: "I'm honestly feeling so overwhelmed, it's like we're doing everything wrong, using the wrong products, eating the wrong things. It's a lot omg [oh my God]."

Others responded with a lighter take on the situation. "I have nonstick pans but luckily I never cook," posted another viewer.

Gigi, another commenter, touched on the cost barrier to replacing nonstick cookware, saying: "I'm trying to get rid of them slowly but good pans are expensive as hell."

Lydia Patrick is a Newsweek Life and Trends Reporter based in London, focusing on emerging trends, human interest stories, and women's issues. She previously uncovered a growing pattern of knife crime against women in the UK and worked on stories focusing on the dark side of medical tourism. She joined Newsweek in 2024, having previously worked at the Independent and South West News Service. Lydia holds a degree from the University of Bristol and a master's in journalism from Sheffield University. Languages: English and Spanish.

You can contact her via email: [email protected]

Lydia Patrick is a Newsweek Life and Trends Reporter based in London, focusing on emerging trends, human interest stories, and ...Read more