Chennai Home> Chennai Health Home >

Many commonly used kitchen products and utensils may be linked with the symptoms and signs of toxicity, especially those make from heavy metals and plastics. Diagnosis of heavy metal toxicity is typically made by hair analysis. The following is a list of potential sources of toxins in the kitchen.

METALS
SOURCES
TOXICITY

COPPER

pots and pans, gelatin molds
liver and brain disease (with large exposures)

ALUMINUM

pots and pans, baking pans, foil cans, food packaging, cooking utensils
anorexia, ataxia, colic, dementia, difficulty breathing, esophagitis, gastroenteritis, liver dysfunction, nephritis, muscle pain, psychosis, muscle weakness

LEAD

some glazed earthenware and pottery, tin cans, pewter, some crystal, wine cork covers
anemia, anorexia, anxiety, impaired concentration, confusion, constipation, depression, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, headaches, high blood pressure, incoordination, irritability, impaired memory, abdominal pain, bone pain, muscle pain, restlessness and tremor

STAINLESS STEEL

(leaks nickel after being scoured once)
pots and pans, bakeware, utensils, flatware
gastrointestinal upset, possible association with cancer

CADMIUM
galvanized containers and roasting pans, some ceramic and pottery glazes
hair loss, anemia, loss of appetite, emphysema, fatigue, liver dysfunction, high blood pressure, joint pain, osteoporosis, back and leg pain, dry skin, yellowed teeth

Alternatives

Use glass, cast iron, porcelain or enamel pans, terra cotta clay, and stainless steel which has never been scoured (let soak to remove stains). Acidic foods absorb metals the most, so minimize their contact (fruits, tomatoes, vinegar-containing food). Use parchment paper instead of foil. The shiny side of foil contains a plastic which vaporizes when heated and may contaminate food.

PLASTICS
SOURCES
TOXICITY

food packaging, Tupperwareâ , plastic wrap/bags, kitchen utensils, beverage containers, milk jugs, drinking cups, Teflonâ non-stick coating, Styrofoamâ
suspected carcinogen, gastrointestinal upset, headache, fatigue, birth defects, liver disease, skin disease, nervous system problems; contains numerous additives which have not been investigated for their toxicity

Alternatives

Use wooden bowls and utensils, glass or paper milk and beverage containers. Hard plastics leak less than flexible ones. For non-stick surfaces, use seasoned cast iron or a thin layer of lecithin. Line baking pans with parchment paper.