The effort to avoid plastics has gained significant traction in recent years — and for good reason. Fragments of plastics, termed microplastics and nanoplastics, have been discovered in various parts of our bodies, including arterial plaque and blood. While research is still ongoing, studies suggest a connection between microplastics and health issues such as cancer and reproductive problems.
The researchers examined 203 black plastic products commonly available in the U.S., including kitchen tools, food storage items, personal care products, and toys, to test for flame retardants. Alarmingly, 85% of these products were found to contain flame retardants.
“A significant number of these items had elevated levels of flame retardants, particularly brominated flame retardants, which are associated with a range of health risks,” said Kizzy Charles-Guzman, CEO of the Center for Environmental Health.
Brominated flame retardants have been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, neurotoxicity, reproductive concerns, and developmental issues, Charles-Guzman added.
What’s even more troubling is that some of these flame retardants are banned in the U.S. For example, sushi trays were found to have the highest concentrations of flame retardants, including decabromodiphenyl ether, a prohibited chemical.
How do such hazardous, often-banned chemicals end up in household items like plastic ladles or sushi trays?
“They likely originated from recycled electronic waste and electrical equipment — items like TVs, computers, and appliances that are typically treated with flame retardants to prevent fires,” Charles-Guzman explained. These electronics may have been manufactured with flame retardants long before the bans were enacted. For instance, decabromodiphenyl ether was banned only in 2021.
Should you be concerned?
This isn’t reassuring news, but understanding the issue allows you to make more informed decisions about the products in your home. How you respond might depend on your circumstances. For instance, while replacing all your plastic utensils immediately may not be feasible, those trying to conceive may prioritize doing so.
Jamie Alan, associate professor in the pharmacology and toxicology department at Michigan State University, provided context for the study. “Researchers completely dissolved the plastic items in solvents and analyzed them to determine the levels of flame retardants present,” Alan explained.
Although it’s evident that black plastics contain harmful flame retardants, Alan pointed out that we don’t consume these materials in their entirety. “What remains uncertain is how much of these chemicals are released into food during cooking, and if released, how much is absorbed by our bodies. There’s a significant knowledge gap here,” Alan said.
Charles-Guzman offered a contrasting perspective. “Flame retardants are particularly harmful because they bio-accumulate, meaning even low levels of repeated exposure can build up in the body over time,” she said.
Heating plastic items exacerbates the release of chemicals, raising concerns about cookware. Alan noted that higher temperatures generally increase the release of these harmful substances. To minimize risks, avoid using black plastic utensils at very high heat. Similarly, refrain from heating plastic to-go containers.
If you do use black plastic utensils, avoid prolonged contact with hot food or cookware. Use them briefly for stirring, then remove them from the heat.
What alternatives should you consider?
Eliminating every harmful item from your home isn’t always realistic, but you can gradually replace plastic utensils with safer options. “If you can slowly transition to alternatives or use black-coated utensils less frequently, that’s a positive step,” Alan suggested. Charles-Guzman also recommended checking for any forgotten non-plastic utensils in your drawers.
However, if a black plastic utensil melts or becomes deformed due to heat, it’s essential to discard both the utensil and the food, as Alan emphasized.
Safer options for kitchen tools include metal, wood, and ceramic. Alan prefers metal because it handles high temperatures well and is easy to clean. However, she cautioned that wooden utensils can harbor bacteria and are more challenging to sanitize.
When it comes to black takeout containers, avoiding them can be tricky since they’re not within your control. For instance, if your sushi is served in one of these containers, Charles-Guzman advises transferring the food to a plate immediately.
This study contributes to the growing evidence against plastics, but there are ways to reduce your reliance on black plastics without making drastic changes all at once. Over time, phasing out harmful plastic items and opting for safer alternatives can help reduce exposure to these toxic chemicals.
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