What are the harmful chemicals in parchment paper?

Author: Prof. Jesse Reichel II  |  Last update: Thursday, March 20, 2025

But nowadays, many parchment paper brands are coated or treated with additional substances to further enhance the paper's moisture-resistant, grease-proof, and nonstick qualities. These include PFAS, the same synthetic “forever chemicals” that are used in everything from nonstick cookware to electronics.

Does parchment paper have toxic chemicals?

However, most parchment paper is coated with silicone. While silicone is marketed as a “safe” coating for many kitchen tasks, it becomes problematic when heated to high temperatures. In fact, at these higher temperatures, silicone can release toxic compounds known as siloxanes.

Is parchment paper bad for my health?

Parchment paper itself is generally considered safe for cooking and baking and is not classified as carcinogenic. It is typically made from cellulose and treated with acid to create a non-stick surface.

What is the safest parchment paper to use?

If concerned, opt for unbleached parchment paper. Alternative Choices: For those concerned about health, unbleached parchment paper or alternatives like wax paper or aluminum foil (for high-temperature baking) can be safer choices.

What are the problems with parchment paper?

Some parchment papers use PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) for their non-stick properties. PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” can leach into food at high temperatures and have been linked to long-term health risks like cancer and thyroid issues (Source).

What are the potential health risks or dangers of using parchment paper while cooking?

Why did people stop using parchment?

Although parchment never stopped being used (primarily for governmental documents and diplomas) it had ceased to be a primary choice for artists' supports by the end of the 15th century Renaissance. This was partly due to its expense and partly due to its unusual working properties.

When not to use parchment paper?

Do not ever use parchment or wax paper in the broiler. Despite its heat resistance, parchment paper can't handle the heat of any broiler, which can reach temperatures upward of 500°F. And wax paper? It should never come near the high heat of the oven or broiler.

What should I use instead of parchment paper?

5 Substitutes for Parchment Paper
  • Silpat: Best for Lining Baking Sheets. ...
  • Wax Paper: Best for Room Temperature Storage and Makeshift Work Surfaces. ...
  • Greased Baking Sheet: Good for Baking. ...
  • Aluminum Foil with Oil: Good for Baking, Especially at Hotter Temperatures. ...
  • Nonstick Sheet Pans: Good for Baking.

Does parchment paper have Teflon on it?

Parchment paper is coated with silicone, making it nonstick, grease-proof, and heat-resistant. It's also called baking or bakery paper. Brown parchment is unbleached, while white parchment is chemically treated to remove the paper's natural color.

What brands of parchment paper are PFAS free?

Those PFAS-free parchment papers, which use silicone as their non-stick ingredient, were:
  • If You Care Parchment Baking Paper.
  • GIFBERA, Unbleached Parchment Baking Paper.
  • Kabite Parchment Baking Paper.

Is there a wrong way to use parchment paper?

When shouldn't you use parchment paper? Parchment paper is not meant for high-heat cooking. The product box should indicate the highest temperature it can safely withstand, which is usually around 500℉. Do not use parchment paper when grilling or otherwise near an open flame.

Is aluminum foil bad for you?

No, aluminium foil in itself is not hazardous for our health. However, as a precautionary measure strongly acidic products or foods that contain a lot of salt shouldn't be kept or barbecued in aluminium foil.

How do I avoid PFAS?

Take action. You can avoid the most obvious offenders by replacing nonstick pans with stainless steel, cast-iron, glass, or ceramic alternatives. Also, don't heat up food that's wrapped in grease-resistant packaging. And make popcorn on the stovetop instead of in PFAS-treated microwave bags.

What animal is parchment paper made of?

Parchment has been made for centuries, and is usually calf, goat, or sheep skin. The term vellum from the French veau refers to a parchment made from calf skin. The manufacture of parchment is quite involved.

Which is safer parchment paper or wax paper?

Only parchment paper is safe for use in the oven, and only up to 425° to 450°F before it will begin to break down and get brittle or burn. Wax paper is not oven-safe in any application.

What are the negatives of parchment paper?

While parchment paper used in cooking and baking is generally safe, there are some potential concerns to keep in mind. These include: Inhaling chemicals: Heating parchment paper at high temperatures (above 220°C) may release chemicals into the air that can be potentially harmful when inhaled.

Is it better to roast vegetables in foil or parchment paper?

The parchment-lined pan performed slightly better than the foil-lined pan at preventing the vegetables from sticking, though not dramatically so, and both performed better than the unlined tray. But neither browned the vegetables as well as the unlined pan.

Is foil or parchment paper better in an air fryer?

Laurence says she always chooses parchment paper over aluminum foil in the air fryer. Parchment paper is more versatile because it is non-reactive. "Whatever food you're putting on that aluminum foil is going to react with aluminum," Laurence says.

What not to do with parchment paper?

Parchment paper is designed for oven use, not stovetop use, and it is heat-resistant, but it is not flame-retardant. This means it's safe to use at high temperatures, such as those used in baking, but it can catch fire if it's exposed to an open flame.

Is it better to bake cookies on aluminum foil or parchment paper?

A basic saying to guide your use of papers in the kitchen: "Sweet treats need parchment sheets; grill or broil, go with foil," says Weaver. Foil conducts and distributes heat, making it able to withstand high temperatures from baking, broiling, roasting, or grilling. For anything above 400 degrees, use foil.

What can I use instead of parchment paper in an air fryer?

If you don't have parchment paper in the kitchen, aluminum foil can make a good alternative.

Does parchment paper leach chemicals?

Uncoated parchment paper can also safely be used again and again without leaching toxic substances and remains also one of the safest toxic-free choices for take-along food (like lunchbox sandwiches) and food storage.

Is it better to cook bacon on parchment paper or aluminum foil?

You can use parchment paper if you want, but it won't trap the bacon grease. If you use aluminum foil, you likely can drain the grease, ball up the foil, and not have to wash a single dish. Skip the wire racks: Some cooks swear by baking bacon on cooling racks that are sitting inside the baking sheet.

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