Can PFAS from nonstick cookware increase liver cancer risk?

What's actually in it

PFAS from nonstick cookware, food packaging, and stain-resistant products accumulate in the liver. The liver is where the body attempts to process fat-soluble toxins. PFAS disrupt the fatty acid metabolism processes the liver uses, promote oxidative stress, and interfere with bile acid signaling. All of these are processes that, when chronically disrupted, can promote malignant cell transformation.

PFAS half-lives in the body are measured in years. Long-term accumulation in liver tissue means years of exposure for the liver cells most at risk.

What the research says

A 2026 systematic review in Environ Sci Technol compiled evidence from multiple population studies on PFAS exposure and liver cancer. The review found that higher PFAS exposure was consistently associated with elevated liver cancer risk across studies. The evidence was strongest for PFOA and PFOS, two of the most studied PFAS compounds.

Liver cancer is one of the most serious and fastest-growing cancer types. Reducing lifetime PFAS exposure reduces long-term liver cancer risk.

The primary action: replace nonstick cookware with stainless steel cookware. Pair with glass food storage to avoid PFAS from food packaging contact.