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A recent study has raised serious concerns about the potential health risks associated with black plastic household items, including kitchen utensils, food containers, and toys. The research, published this month in Chemosphere, reveals that many of these everyday products may still contain toxic flame retardants, despite bans on such chemicals in recent years.
Researchers tested 203 items made from black plastic, which often comes from recycled materials, including electronics components like TV enclosures. Many of these plastics are treated with flame retardants to meet safety standards for electronics, but the chemicals remain in the plastic even after it is repurposed for household use. These chemicals, linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, and other health issues, can leach into food and the environment, posing a significant risk, particularly to children.
Megan Liu, the study’s lead author and science and policy manager at Toxic-Free Future, emphasized the lack of regulation in the recycling system. “This study highlights the lack of chemical regulation on what is entering our recycling system,” Liu explained.
The study found that 85% of the products tested contained some form of flame retardant chemicals, with 65% of items containing a combination of two or more types. The highest concentrations of these chemicals were found in a sushi tray, a spatula, and a pirate-themed beaded necklace designed for children’s play. In one alarming case, the necklace contained 22,800 milligrams per kilogram of flame retardant—around 2.3% of the product’s total weight.
A particularly concerning finding was the presence of decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE), a brominated flame retardant that was banned by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2021. DecaBDE has been linked to a range of health issues, including cancer and developmental harm. Levels of decaBDE in some products were found to be up to 1,200 times higher than the European Union’s safety limit, posing a daily exposure risk for consumers.
Linda S. Birnbaum, a former director at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, described the findings as a “wake-up call,” noting that the persistence of these harmful chemicals after the ban highlights gaps in the recycling process. Jaimie Ross, a neuroscientist at the University of Rhode Island, expressed surprise at the widespread use of banned chemicals in household products, especially those intended for children.
The health risks posed by flame retardants, including neurotoxicity, cancer, and reproductive harm, are well-documented. Researchers have found that these chemicals bioaccumulate, meaning they build up in the body over time, increasing the risk of long-term health issues.
To minimize exposure, experts recommend avoiding the use of black plastic items, especially those used in food preparation or storage. Dr. Ross advised against reheating food in black plastic containers and encouraged people to use alternatives like glass or metal when possible. She also suggested washing plastic items by hand, rather than in a dishwasher, to reduce the risk of chemical leaching.
While systemic changes to manufacturing and recycling are essential to addressing this issue, individuals can take steps to protect their health by being cautious about the plastic items they bring into their homes. According to Dr. Birnbaum, the best course of action is to avoid using black plastic containers for food altogether and to be mindful of the materials used in kitchen utensils and other household items.
