| Pots and Pans |
| Choose cast iron and stainless steel pots and pans and glass bake ware. |
| Avoid products with nonstick treatments such as Teflon. If you already own products with nonstick treatments, be sure not to let them heat to above 450F. Do not leave non-stick cookware unattended on the stove, or use non-stick cookware in hot ovens or grills. Discard products if nonstick coatings show signs of deterioration. |
| Dishware |
| Choose glass, stoneware, or ceramic dishware. Ceramic dishware labeled as meeting California’s Proposition 65 requirements leach less lead than those approved by the FDA and are preferable. |
| Avoid old, handmade, or imported ceramic dishware, which may leach more lead than permitted by the FDA. Any ceramic items that show chalky gray residue after washing should not be used, and leaded crystal ware should also be avoided. |
| For more on lead in dishes, see: |
| Food and Beverage Containers |
| Choose glass if possible. Otherwise, choose plastic containers with the recycling symbols 1, 2, 4, or 5. When microwaving, choose glass or lead-free ceramic dishware, and use waxed paper or paper towels instead of cling wrap. Glass leftover containers with removable plastic tops are available in various sizes and are convenient for microwaving leftovers. |
| Avoid containers made of PVC (3), polycarbonate (7), or polystyrene (6). If you have plastic containers that aren’t marked with recycling symbols, check with the manufacturer. |
| For more information about plastics for food storage, see: |
| Lunchboxes |
| Choose cloth lunch bags or metal lunchboxes. |
| Avoid lunchboxes made of PVC, which may contain lead. |
| Cling wrap |
| Choose wraps made of polyethylene, such as GLAD and Saran. Cling wrap for residential use is free of PVC. |
| Avoid wraps made of PVC. Cling wrap for commercial use may contain PVC. |
| In general |
| Choose alternatives to products made of PVC whenever possible. This includes items such as straws, aprons, gloves, drawer liners, and tablecloths. |
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