Does Parchment Have PFAS?

Defining PFAS chemicals

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a large group of man-made chemicals prized for their ability to resist water, grease, stains, and heat. These properties have led to their use in products worldwide, including non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, firefighting foam, and certain types of food packaging. Research by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other agencies has found that PFAS are widespread in the environment, often discovered in soil, water, air, and living organisms.

Their persistence in nature stems from the strong carbon-fluorine bonds that characterize PFAS, making them less likely to break down with time. Scientists sometimes call them “forever chemicals” because they can accumulate in people, wildlife, and the ecosystem. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), certain PFAS compounds have been authorized for limited uses in food-contact materials, but ongoing research has raised questions about their long-term safety and presence in products we use daily.

How parchment paper is made

Traditional parchment has existed for centuries in the form of animal skins treated in lime solutions, scraped, and dried under tension. While that historic material still goes by “parchment,” the kitchen-ready parchment paper we know today is a distinct product. Modern parchment paper generally involves:

• Cellulose fibers obtained from wood pulp.

• A treatment process using chemical baths (often including sulfuric acid or zinc chloride in older methods) that create a uniform, grease-resistant sheet.

• Coatings such as silicone or quilon that further enhance nonstick and heat-resistant qualities.

Silicone-coated parchment paper is the most common variety available in supermarkets. According to the research we reviewed, silicone can withstand substantial heat, up to around 420 °F (216 °C), making it popular for baking. Waxed paper, by contrast, is coated with paraffin and has a lower heat tolerance. Waxed papers are not inherently PFAS-based, although they can contain other substances, depending on the brand.

Where PFAS might appear

Because PFAS chemicals repel heat, water, and oil, manufacturers sometimes incorporate them into food-contact products to improve grease resistance. Examples include certain types of paperboard containers and fast-food wrappers. The FDA has historically authorized certain PFAS for these purposes, though many manufacturers are phasing them out. Some potential points of PFAS occurrence in or around parchment paper include:

1. Coatings: If a manufacturer applies a PFAS-based grease-proofing agent rather than silicone or quilon.

2. Processing aids: In older production lines, PFAS may accidentally contaminate paper through equipment or water supplies.

3. Environmental cross-contamination: Water or materials used in the papermaking process could contain PFAS from industrial runoff.

Not all parchment paper contains PFAS. Many reputable brands use silicone-based coatings instead, and silicone does not belong to the PFAS family. Tests have shown that some parchment paper on the market remains PFAS-free or below detectable levels of fluorine, indicating minimal presence of PFAS.

Potential risks for consumers

Scientists continue to explore how exposure to PFAS can impact human health. Epidemiological studies mentioned by the US National Toxicology Program and other researchers suggest possible links between PFAS and:

• Changes in cholesterol levels.

• Effects on liver function.

• Increased risk for certain types of cancer, such as kidney or testicular cancer.

• Immune system effects.

• Pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia.

Research is still evolving, and conflicting evidence exists, especially when comparing animal studies to human outcomes. According to the research provided, animals may respond differently to PFAS than humans, but scientists have methods to estimate how such exposures compare for people. Regardless, agencies like the EPA are advocating for lower PFAS levels in drinking water, underscoring the concern that long-term or repeated exposure could pose health risks.

If you are dealing with PFAS contamination in water or other aspects of daily life, we recommend exploring resources such as pfas health effects or reviewing broader information on pfas contamination map. We also recognize that individuals with significant PFAS exposure may wish to learn about potential legal avenues, for which we provide a link toward the end of this article.

Regulatory efforts to limit PFAS

Authorities have taken steps to address PFAS usage in consumer products, including food packaging. The FDA authorized some PFAS formulations for limited food-contact applications over the decades but recently moved to restrict or phase out many forms. By January 2025, the FDA determined that about 35 food-contact notifications for grease-proofing agents containing PFAS were no longer effective because the uses had been abandoned voluntarily by manufacturers.

The EPA also proposed a significant new use rule (SNUR) in 2023, requiring companies that manufacture, import, or process PFAS in certain products to provide notification. This move intends to gather more data, helping regulators evaluate potential health risks and manage them accordingly. Meanwhile, states like California have added certain PFAS to the Proposition 65 list, requiring warnings on consumer products that contain these substances above a certain threshold.

Are PFAS in parchment paper?

Despite the ongoing regulatory push, some parchment papers do contain trace levels of PFAS. Studies have found:

• Various brands show either “non-detect” PFAS levels or extremely low concentrations.

• Kirkland brand parchment paper, for example, tested around 12 parts per million of fluorine, suggesting it may contain a small amount of PFAS or a PFAS-related substance, according to publicly available testing. At that level, it was still deemed relatively safe for composting.

• Others appear silicone-coated and free of fluorinated chemicals, showing “non-detect” levels of fluorine (less than 9 or 10 ppm).

In many cases, parchment paper today either replaces PFAS with silicone or uses a different nonstick formula. As users, we can research specific brands and read packaging statements. Some manufacturers explicitly advertise “PFAS-free” or “No ‘forever chemicals’ used” disclaimers.

When investigating which parchment paper to buy, you may quickly realize that clear labeling is not always guaranteed, and not every brand publishes third-party testing results. Our recommendation is to consult brand websites or contact manufacturers directly if you have concerns about PFAS usage.

How to choose safer options

We understand that if you have already faced PFAS contamination in other areas of life, the last thing you want is to handle more possible exposure in the kitchen. Fortunately, several strategies can help you avoid or minimize PFAS-laden parchment paper:

• Look for “silicone-coated parchment paper” on the label: Many widely sold parchment products rely on silicone rather than PFAS.

• Seek “PFAS-free” or “fluorine-free” claims: Some brands voluntarily test for fluorine and advertise non-detect results.

• Check third-party certifications: Certain environmental or consumer-advocacy groups test products periodically and publish brand-specific findings.

• Avoid indefinite reuse: Even if the paper is labeled safe, reusing it repeatedly might degrade the coating, so discarding used parchment responsibly is recommended.

You might also consider rotating between alternative baking options. If the recipe allows, silicone baking mats can be reused countless times and contain no PFAS, as they are made of stable polymeric silicones. Keep in mind these mats do not always replicate the same browning or crisping effects as parchment paper, so recipe testing might be necessary.

Can we remove PFAS?

Some consumers wonder whether rinsing or heating parchment paper can remove PFAS molecules. Because PFAS chemicals are highly stable, they do not break down easily in typical home settings. Washing or wiping parchment paper does not effectively remove chemicals that are integrated into its structure.

More broadly, removing PFAS from water or other surfaces often requires advanced filtration or remediation strategies. For instance, granulated activated carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems can reduce PFAS in water, though effectiveness varies. If you have concerns about PFAS presence in your drinking water, you may visit pfas water filter or does reverse osmosis remove pfas for additional insights. Comprehensive methods to manage PFAS at large scales can be found under pfas remediation or pfas treatment technologies.

Ultimately, there is no simple household technique that will remove PFAS from parchment paper. The best approach is to verify which products do not rely on PFAS-based finishes in the first place.

Frequently asked questions

Is all parchment paper guaranteed to have PFAS?

Not necessarily. Many popular brands use silicone-based coatings instead of PFAS. Others advertise non-detect levels of fluorine, indicating minimal or zero PFAS.

Can I compost parchment paper with PFAS?

According to testing, certain parchment papers contain only trace PFAS levels, such as 12 ppm of fluorine, which might still be considered safe for composting in some regions. However, opinion varies. If you suspect your parchment contains PFAS, check local composting guidelines or consider using a confirmed PFAS-free brand for composting.

Why would parchment paper have PFAS in the first place?

Manufacturers sometimes add PFAS-based treatments for superior grease resistance. Over time, many are shifting to silicone or other ingredients because of regulatory pressure and consumer demand.

Is silicone better than PFAS for nonstick surfaces?

Silicone is a different family of materials, typically deemed safe and heat-stable. It also breaks down faster in landfills under certain conditions. However, it is important to confirm that a product is truly silicone-based rather than PFAS-based.

What if I have encountered PFAS in other household products?

PFAS exposure can come from multiple sources, ranging from nonstick cookware to contaminated water. If you are worried about cumulative exposure, you may consult a specialized pfas testing lab or speak with a healthcare professional to assess your situation.

How do I reduce my chance of PFAS exposure overall?

Being aware of these chemicals is the first step. Read labels carefully, switch to PFAS-free products, confirm water quality, and investigate high-performance filters if needed.

Am I eligible for a PFAS-related lawsuit if I have health concerns?

Legal options may exist for individuals who suffered harm linked to PFAS contamination in water, consumer goods, or occupational settings. While we cannot provide specific legal advice, you can explore potential claims through resources like pfas liability or consult attorneys who specialize in PFAS issues.