Your kitchen is meant to nourish you, yet according to Dr. Jana Schmidt at the A.G.E.S. Summit 2025 – Make Your Home Great Again, it may also be one of the most toxic places in your house.
Speaking at the opening session of the summit, Dr. Schmidt unveiled a startling truth about modern kitchens.
From “smart” appliances to non-stick pans, she explained that everyday items are quietly leaching harmful substances and electromagnetic radiation into our food and environment.
She began by focusing on non-stick cookware, a staple in nearly every home.
Many of these pans are coated with chemicals such as perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, which belongs to a class of substances known as PFAS.
These are sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment or in the human body.
A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that nearly all Americans have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood, confirming their widespread reach.
Dr. Schmidt warned that exposure to these chemicals has been linked to liver damage, hormone disruption, and developmental issues in children.
She also referenced the film Dark Waters, which dramatizes the real-life case against DuPont, illustrating how corporations concealed the dangers of PFOA for decades.
Her message was clear: the convenience of non-stick cooking comes at a profound cost to long-term health.
The discussion then turned to one of the most common appliances in any kitchen—the microwave oven.
Dr. Schmidt argued that the convenience of microwave cooking can mask subtle risks.
She cited European studies suggesting that microwaving food may alter its nutrient profile and expose users to electromagnetic fields.
Schmidt advised using stovetop or convection methods as safer alternatives, emphasizing that the goal is not fear but awareness.
Beyond cooking, everyday storage materials also play a role in toxic exposure.
Plastic containers, wraps, and even cutting boards can leach microplastics and hormone-disrupting compounds such as bisphenol A and phthalates.
These chemicals have been associated with reproductive and metabolic disorders, making the shift toward safer materials a simple yet powerful form of prevention.
Even aluminum foil, once considered harmless, was identified by Dr. Schmidt as a neurotoxic hazard when heated.
In her view, small daily choices—such as opting for glass, stainless steel, or ceramic—can dramatically reduce the accumulation of toxins in the body over time.
One of the most thought-provoking parts of her presentation explored the relationship between electromagnetic fields and indoor mold.
Dr. Schmidt suggested that EMF exposure from Wi-Fi-enabled “smart” devices can accelerate mold growth and amplify its toxicity.
While this claim requires more research, early findings do indicate that certain molds produce more mycotoxins under electromagnetic stress.
This insight led her to encourage simpler, low-tech solutions that protect both digital privacy and biological safety.
Throughout her talk, Dr. Schmidt’s message was not alarmist but empowering.
She urged listeners to take practical steps toward reclaiming the health and safety of their kitchens.
By returning to natural materials and unplugged appliances, she argued, families can create homes that support wellness rather than undermine it.
Her closing sentiment captured the essence of the summit’s mission: education is the first step toward protection.
Awareness transforms daily routines into acts of self-care.
And through conscious choice, each of us can turn the modern kitchen from a minefield of toxins into a sanctuary of nourishment.