Black Plastic Kitchen Items Linked To Toxic Chemicals, Experts Warn

Oct 15, 2024

You may need to check your kitchen tools.

Recent research has revealed alarming levels of toxic flame retardants in black-colored plastic kitchen utensils, raising concerns about potential health risks associated with their use.

The study, published Tuesday in the journal Chemosphere, highlights that these kitchen items—alongside children’s toys and food containers—may be contaminated due to the recycling of electronic waste.

The most concerning finding was the presence of decaBDE, a flame retardant banned in 2021 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency due to its links to cancer and other serious health issues. The study found decaBDE in 70% of the black plastic products tested, with levels significantly exceeding safety limits set by the European Union. Kitchen utensils such as spatulas and slotted spoons were estimated to expose users to an average of 34.7 parts per million of decaBDE daily.

"Companies continue to use toxic flame retardants in plastic electronics, and that’s resulting in unexpected and unnecessary toxic exposures,” said study co-author Megan Liu, science and policy manager at Toxic-Free Future, in a press statement. “These cancer-causing chemicals shouldn’t be used to begin with, but with recycling, they are entering our environment and our homes in more ways than one. The high levels we found are concerning.”

Given these findings, consumers are encouraged to consider safer alternatives. Liu suggests replacing plastic kitchen utensils with stainless steel or other non-plastic materials, which can greatly reduce exposure to harmful additives. Dusting, vacuuming, frequent hand washing, and proper ventilation will also aid in removing dust that is likely contaminated.

Additionally, experts advise against microwaving or heating food in black plastic containers, as heat can exacerbate the leaching of harmful chemicals. Instead, transferring food to glass or ceramic dishes is recommended.

"These results clearly demonstrate that flame retardant-containing electronics, such as the outer casings of large TVs, are being recycled into food storage containers and utensils," said Heather Stapleton, environmental chemist and exposure scientist at Duke University. "While it’s critical to develop sustainable approaches when addressing our plastic waste stream, we should exert some caution and ensure we’re not contributing to additional exposures to these hazardous chemicals in recycled materials."

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