Utilizing STONEHENGE -- a stone-derived coating from Germany, the Stone Earth Pan is the world’s leading frying pan, delivering non-stick perfection while remaining absolutely free of APEO and PFOA, and the lesser-known chemicals NMP and NEP.<br><br> Conventional pans often achieve their non-stick performance with the aid of PFOA (PerFluoroOctanoic Acid), a potential carcinogen which the EPA has classified as a 'persistent pollutant of the environment', and APEO (Alkylphenol ethoxylates), which are under restricted use in .<br><br> Germany due to environmental concerns about their poor biodegradability and toxicity in the food chain. According to the EPA, once ingested, PFOA is capable of remaining in people for a very long time, and has been shown to cause developmental and other adverse effects in laboratory animals. <br><br> Likewise, European studies have shown that APEO may be toxic to aquatic life, and has the potential to act as endocrine disrupters. With the Stone Earth Pan's stone-derived coating from Germany, no such controversial chemicals are ever passed on to you or released into the environment. <br><br> The Stone Earth Pan utilizes an inert coating that is applied using a water-based Sol-Gel Technique which is free of the lesser-known but potentially harmful chemicals NMP (N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone) and NEP (N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone), often found in traditional cookware. <br><br> In addition to being free of PFOA, APEO, NMP and NEP, the Stone Earth Pan is also far more durable and scratch-resistant than other non-stick surfaces. With better non-stick properties, the Stone Earth Pan consistently renders cleaning a breeze. <br><br> The Stone Earth Pan is made of the highest quality die-cast aluminum that allows for even cooking without hot spots. It boasts a magnetized bottom for rapid heat transfer on induction stoves, and a heat-resistant silicone-coated handle. Your satisfaction is guaranteed. STONEHENGE coating made by Weilburger GmbH, Germany.