A new study has found that black kitchen utensils, sushi containers and other black plastic items may contain flame retardants, linked to serious health risks.
In recent years, black plastic has become a popular choice for making kitchen utensils and food containers more stylish. But are there risks? It would seem so, as demonstrated by a new study conducted by Toxic-Free Future which raises a very specific alarm: these products may contain toxic chemicals, in particular flame retardants.
How come? Black plastic is often made by recycling components from electronic devices. During this recycling process, normal plastics are not always separated from those treated with flame retardants. These chemical compounds, designed to prevent fires, can therefore remain in finished products, making them decidedly problematic for our health.
The study analyzed 203 black plastic objects (we specify that these were objects for sale in the United States), including sushi containers, kitchen utensils and children’s toys, to detect the presence of bromine, a common indicator of flame retardants. If an item contained more than 50 parts per million of bromine, it was subjected to additional testing for the presence of brominated flame retardants and organophosphates.
The results are alarming: 17 products out of 20, that is 85% of the objects analyzed contained traces of flame retardants, including a banned chemical compound. The highest concentrations, up to 22,800 ppm, were found in a sushi tray and kitchen utensils.
Additionally, 14 products contained decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE), a brominated flame retardant that the Environmental Protection Agency has banned as early as 2021. The levels were 5 to 1,200 times higher than the 10 mg/kg limit imposed by the European Union.
Finally, a brominated flame retardant, 2,4,6-tribromophenol, was found in the majority (70%) of the products analyzed.
The risks
Flame retardants, such as brominated and organophosphates, are known for their harmful effects. They can cause endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity and, in some cases, be carcinogenic.
A recent study showed that people with high levels of PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) in their blood have a 300% higher risk of cancer.
Based on the data already known, and what the new study discovered, researchers recommend avoiding purchasing black plastic utensils and not heating food in plastic containers of this color.
Obviously it is essential that flame retardants are not present in tools or containers intended for contact with food. These substances can in fact migrate from plastic to food, significantly increasing the risk of exposure to these toxic compounds.
It is also suggested to pay attention to black plastic children’s toys, since the little ones tend to put objects in their mouths, increasing the risk of exposure to toxic substances that may be present.
Megan Liu, author of the studyhighlights the lack of regulation in the plastic recycling system, which does not adequately separate materials treated with banned substances. The situation highlights an urgent need for greater oversight by manufacturers and relevant authorities to ensure the safety of plastic products entering our homes.
The researchers conclude:
The findings of our study add to a growing body of evidence that plastic is harmful and, as treaty negotiations conclude this fall, represent an opportunity for the United States and other governments to begin a path to phase out these harmful plastics and additives and move companies towards safer solutions. The ultimate solution includes avoiding harmful materials, such as styrene-based plastics. We also need policy and market changes to increase transparency of the use of chemicals and plastics in the supply chain, including recycled materials; ban the use of harmful chemicals and plastics; and require the use of safer solutions.
Sources: Toxic Free Future / Chemosphere
