Do you use black plastic items like spatulas or sushi trays in your kitchen? While black plastic items may seem more attractive than other colors, a new study has found several potential health risks associated with the use of most black plastics in the kitchen. Conducted in the US, scientists from Toxic-Free Future (a non-profit organization) and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam found high levels of cancer-causing, hormone-disrupting, flame-retardant chemicals in a variety of household products made from black plastic. Found. This includes everyday items such as food service utensils (containers, bowls, plates, cups and other items intended for one-time use), kitchen utensils, and even black plastic toys.
The study found that plastics used in electronics such as televisions often contain toxic chemicals. These plastics, which usually contain high concentrations of toxic flame retardants, can be recycled to make household items such as kitchen utensils. Recycled electronic components that use flame retardants are black, which is why black plastic utensils are more likely to contain such toxic chemicals.
“Flame-retardant electronics, such as the outer casings of large TVs, are being recycled into food storage containers and utensils,” said Heather Stapleton, the Ronny-Richley Garcia-Johnson Distinguished Professor at Duke University.
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Megan Liu, co-author of the study and science and policy manager at Toxic-Free Future, explained, “These cancer-causing chemicals should not be used to begin with, but with recycling, they become more prevalent in our environment and our homes. “The high levels of penetration we found are worrying.”
The study, published in the journal Chemosphere, tested 203 household products made of black plastic and found 85% of them contained toxic flame-retardant chemicals. Although they did not disclose specific brands or manufacturers, the study found the highest levels of toxic flame retardants in sushi trays, spatulas and beaded necklaces.
According to the study, health concerns related to flame retardants include:
- Carcinogenicity: The ability or tendency of a chemical to cause tumors (benign or malignant).
- Endocrine Disruption: Changes in hormone activity or production due to chemicals.
- Neurotoxicity: Damage to the brain or peripheral nervous system caused by exposure to natural or man-made toxins.
- reproductive toxicity: Adverse effects on sexual function and fertility in adult males and females, as well as developmental toxicity in offspring.
- Developmental Toxicity: Any structural or functional change caused by an environmental insult that interferes with normal growth, differentiation, development, and/or behavior.
According to experts, it is advisable to change your respective kitchen utensils or use less utensils with black coating.
