Black plastic containers have become a staple in many kitchens – but they can be harmful.
According to a press release, a new study found that some of the items contain high levels of cancer-causing, hormone-disrupting flame retardants.
The peer-reviewed study by researchers at Toxic-Free Futures and the Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment at the Vrije Universiteit tested 203 household products made from black plastic – and 85% of them had high concentrations of retardants. It was published in the journal Chemosphere.
Megan Liu, co-author of the study and manager of science and policy at Toxic-Free Future, explained that the retardants are the same ones found in electronics, such as televisions, cell phones or computers.
This is especially true for black plastic items – not those of other colors – because recycled electronic components that use flame retardants tend to be black.
“These cancer-causing chemicals should not be used in the first place, but with recycling, they are entering our environment and our homes in more ways than one,” Liu said. “The high levels we found are worrying.”
The study noted that recycling plastics used in electronics could eventually lead to their reuse in household items that do not require flame retardancy, resulting in “high and unnecessary exposures” that could be dangerous – especially for children and women in labor. age.
Associated health concerns include carcinogenicity, endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, and reproductive and developmental toxicity, according to the researchers.
Although they did not reveal specific brands or manufacturers, the highest levels of flame retardants were found in shoulder pads, sushi trays and beaded necklaces.
One of the chemicals detected in the containers was the banned substance decaBDE, which was previously used to make electronic casings. The study found that the substance continues to seep into our homes through recycled plastic.
“These results clearly show that electronics containing flame retardants, such as the outer casings of large television sets, are being recycled into containers and food storage containers,” Heather Stapleton, the Ronie-Richele Garcia-Johnson Distinguished Professor at Duke University. said in a statement.
“While it is essential to develop sustainable approaches when addressing our plastic waste stream, we must exercise caution and ensure that we are not contributing to additional exposures to these hazardous chemicals in recycled materials,” she added.
Although it’s nearly impossible to rid your home of everything that could be harmful, Jamie Alan, an associate professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at Michigan State University, told HuffPost that people should work to get rid of their containers. their kitchen.
“If you can gradually replace your spoons or use less black-coated ones, that’s great,” Alan said.
If you can’t replace them now, that’s fine, but try not to keep them in contact with hot items for too long, Alan advised. However, containers should be replaced immediately if they melt or become misshapen from heat.
“Of course, if you melt the spoon, I’ve done that many times because I’ve forgotten and left it – throw it away,” Alan said, adding that the food being prepared should also be thrown away.
While metal, wood, and ceramic cookware are all good options, Alan prefers metal because it’s easier to clean and is good for high-temperature cooking.
Wood and ceramic are also good, but they are more difficult to clean and disinfect properly.
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