Black Plastic Kitchen Utensils, Toys Found to Contain Chemicals Connected to Increased Health Risks
Lindsay Knake
| 3 min read
Lindsay Knake is a brand journalist for Blue Cross B...
Black plastic kitchen utensils, takeout containers and toys can contain flame retardants and chemicals that are unsafe, according to a study published in October 2024.
These items are often made with recycled electronics, which are treated with flame retardant chemicals. These chemicals can leach from the products, especially when heated. Flame retardants, which are chemicals applied to materials to prevent or slow fires, are linked to many different health problems. Here is a look at the study, the chemicals and safer household options.
Chemicals in black plastic utensils and toys
Researchers screened 203 household items made of black plastic sold in the United States for the element bromine. Twenty products with high levels of bromine were analyzed for harmful flame retardants and plastic polymers. The study found 85% of the products, which included food service ware, kitchen utensils, toys and a hair accessory, contained these chemicals. Some had up to nine different flame retardants.
Many black plastic products are made from recycled electronic waste such as televisions and computers, which is the source of the flame retardants.
The researchers noted that the presence of flame retardants in common household products is likely due to lack of restrictions and controls in the recycling process leading to unexpected exposures to these harmful substances.
Here is a breakdown of the chemicals and plastic polymer found in the products:
- Brominated flame retardants: This group of chemicals is linked to hormone disruption and thyroid disfunction, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Other studies have found these chemicals are linked to cancer and reproductive issues. Brominated flame retardants are toxic and bio accumulative, which means they don’t break down in the body, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- Organophosphate flame retardants: This type of flame retardant is also used in electronics, and studies have found these chemicals may carry a risk to bone and brain health.
- Plastic polymers: These plastics are used in electronics, and household black plastic products made from recycled electronics had higher levels of flame-retardant chemicals.
One of the brominated flame retardants found in the products was decabromodiphenyl ether, which the EPA banned in 2021 because of potential health risks. Research has suggested that exposure might be harmful to child development and certain cancers.
Pregnant women exposed to flame-retardant chemicals may have higher risk of premature birth, particularly among newborn girls.
How do humans ingest these chemicals?
These chemicals can get into human bodies in different ways, including through chemicals leaching into the air or ground, and then into food, and water or by airborne particles, according to the NIH.
When kitchen utensils are heating during cooking or contact with hot food, the flame retardants can leach out of the utensil, research has found. Additionally, studies have shown children can ingest flame retardants by mouthing toys made from black plastic.
What are safer options?
If you have black plastic items at home, take some precautions. Don’t heat up black plastic to-go containers; instead reheat food on a microwave safe plate. If a black plastic item melts, discard it and any food it has been in contact with. Also, try to avoid giving young children black plastic toys.
Safer options for kitchen utensils include wood, ceramic, stainless steel and silicone.
As always, discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Image: Getty Images
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