According to a new study, black plastic materials used in commonplace items like toys and cooking utensils contain dangerously high concentrations of hazardous flame retardants. It is thought that recycled electronics are the source of these dangerous compounds. However, how did parts from discarded electronics end up in the food we eat and give to kids? Let’s examine it more closely.
Findings from the Study on Toxic Black Plastic
Toy pirate coin beads used in children’s costumes had the greatest concentration of flame retardants (up to 22,800 parts per million) among the evaluated products. That is an alarming 3% of the toy’s overall weight.
These hazardous substances are commonly found in the shells of electrical devices, such as televisions. Researchers believe these compounds were accidentally contaminated in consumer items as a result of mistakes made during the recycling process.
It was discovered that even food-related products were contaminated.
These poisons were discovered in more than simply toys by the study. Additionally, it was discovered that 11,900 parts per million of the PBDE family chemical decaBDE (decabromodiphenyl ether) were present in black plastic sushi plates.
According to a 2024 study, people with high blood levels of PBDEs had a 300% higher risk of dying from cancer than those with minimal exposure.
Limitations for DecaBDE
Because decaBDE has been linked to numerous health problems, such as thyroid dysfunction, hormone imbalances, cancer, neurological disorders, fetal developmental abnormalities, and immunotoxicity, the EPA completely prohibited it in 2021.
In 70% of the examined samples, the study found decaBDE levels ranging from 5 to 1,200 times the legal limit, despite the ban. People who use infected utensils may be exposed to around 34.7 parts per million of this chemical per day, according to estimates.
The fact that these substances should no longer be in use is the most concerning aspect.
Electronic Devices That Resist Flames
The majority of American homes contain more than 20 electronic devices, including gaming consoles, laptops, TVs, and smartphones, all of which use flame retardants to reduce the risk of fire. Additionally, carpets, yoga mats, vehicle seats, furniture, and other everyday objects contain these toxins.
Flame retardants have the potential to leak into the atmosphere over time and land on objects, such as food and water, which we subsequently consume.
Study Limitations
It’s unknown whether plastics of other hues present comparable concerns because the study only looked at black plastic. Additionally, the brand names of the goods that were examined were not revealed by the researchers.
Although similar contamination has been documented in other nations, there is currently a dearth of study on food contact materials conducted specifically in the United States. According to other research, these substances can enter food or be consumed by kids when they mouth their toys.
Levels of Bromine
Researchers looked for bromine, a crucial indicator of the presence of flame retardants, in 203 black plastic objects to determine their toxicity. More attention was paid to the 20 items that had the greatest levels of bromine.
Because they are extremely poisonous and can stay in the body for years, brominated flame retardants are a serious problem. They were projected to have cost the U.S. healthcare system $159 billion in 2018 alone. For these compounds, there is no known safe exposure limit.
What Are Our Options Regarding This Problem?
By choosing to support companies that are dedicated to using materials free of flame retardants, consumers may safeguard themselves. If you currently use black plastic kitchen utensils, think about replacing them with glass or stainless steel, which are safer options.
Black plastic takeaway containers should not be reused, and food should be removed from them as quickly as possible. These containers should never be microwaved because heat will hasten the chemical leaching into your food.
The Black Plastics Bottom Line
Although recycling is supposed to help the environment and cut down on waste, systemic faults are letting dangerous elements from technology find their way into everyday objects like food containers and toys for kids.
Avoid using black plastic kitchenware and use safer, more transparent alternatives until more stringent regulations are in place.
