A recent study found that black plastic used in kitchen utensils, toys, and food containers in the U.S. often contain high levels of toxic flame retardant chemicals.
These chemicals are commonly added to electronic products to prevent fires. But now, because those electronics are recycled into things like spatulas and food trays, they have been found in household items that definitely do not need flame retardancy.
Study Finds High Levels of Flame Retardants in Kitchen Utensils, Toys, and Food Containers
The study tested 203 black plastic products sold on the U.S. market, including kitchen utensils, toys, and food containers.
The researchers first screened for bromine (a key indicator of flame retardant use). Then they took the products that had the highest levels of bromine and tested those for flame retardants.
17 of the 20 products they tested contained flame retardants, with concentrations ranging from 40 to 22,800 parts per million (ppm).
One of the highest levels of contamination was found in a sushi tray, which contained 11,900 ppm of the flame retardant decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE).
DecaBDE is part of a larger class of flame retardants called polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs. PDBEs have been linked to cancer, thyroid issues, and reproductive harm.
Despite being banned for nearly all uses by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2021, decaBDE was found in 70% of the samples tested in the study, with levels exceeding European safety limit of 10ppm by up to 1,200 times.
Some of the other products found to have high levels of flame retardants included:
- a children’s pirate coin bead necklace which contained 22,800 ppm of total flame retardants (that’s almost 3% flame retardants by weight!)
- kitchen utensils like spatulas and spoons, which researchers said could expose a person to an average of 34.7 ppm of decaBDE each day. (Remember, the European safety limit is 10ppm.)
This is obviously very concerning, considering that many of these products come into contact with food and are used by children.
This Is Not New Information
This is not the first time toxic chemicals have been found in black plastic.
For example, one 2018 study out of the University of Plymouth found toxic chemicals present at up to 30 times the levels considered safe in 40% of the black plastic utensils, toys, thermoses, and other products they tested.
But why does so much black plastic contain these toxicants?
The answer: electronic waste (or e-waste).
Flame retardants are typically used in electronics like TVs, phones, and computer casings. When these electronics are recycled, their plastic components often still contain those toxic chemicals, which can contaminate whatever items they get recycled into.
This issue arises from the lack of strict controls during the recycling process, allowing plastics from electronics to be repurposed into other products.
Although the EPA banned added decaBDE in virgin products, the regulation does not extend to plastics containing recycled content, leaving a loophole that allows these chemicals to persist in everyday items.
In light of the study’s findings, Toxic-Free Future is urging the U.S. government to take stronger action through the Global Plastics Treaty, which aims to eliminate harmful chemicals from plastics and improve recycling practices. Washington state and New York have already implemented bans on certain flame retardants in electronics, but broader, national policies are needed to ensure safer household products.
Health Risks Linked to Flame Retardants
These flame retardants chemicals are associated with a wide range of health problems, including:
- Carcinogenicity: Some flame retardants have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. For example, a 2024 study found that people with high blood levels of PBDEs were 300% more likely to die from cancer than those with lower levels.
- Endocrine Disruption: These chemicals can interfere with hormone systems, leading to thyroid and reproductive issues.
- Neurotoxicity: Flame retardants have been associated with developmental and behavioral issues, especially in children.
- Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity: Exposure to these chemicals during pregnancy or early childhood can cause long-term developmental damage.
What You Can Do To Minimize Your Exposure
While comprehensive regulatory changes are needed to address the root of the problem, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to toxic flame retardants:
- Avoid Black Plastic for Food Contact: Avoid using black plastic kitchen utensils and food containers. Opt for alternatives made from stainless steel, glass, ceramic, or 100% food-grade silicone.
- Don’t Reuse Black Plastic Takeout Containers: Many people reuse black plastic containers for food storage, but doing so can increase the risk of exposure to flame retardants. Transfer food to safer containers like glass or stainless steel instead.
- Choose Safer Toys for Kids: Be cautious of black plastic toys, especially those that may come into frequent contact with children’s mouths and those that are advertised as “recycled”. Opt for toys made from organic materials like wood, 100% silicone, or natural fabrics.
- Wet Dust and Vacuum Your Home Regularly: Flame retardants can accumulate in household dust. Research has shown that when people ingest that dust (either by breathing it in or by hand-to-mouth contact), they can ingest the flame retardants and other chemicals that come with it. Regularly wet dusting, mopping, and vacuuming (preferably with a HEPA filter, if possible) can help reduce exposure. Ensure good ventilation and consider an air filter as well.
Despite these precautions, experts stress that consumers alone cannot eliminate the risks posed by toxic flame retardants in recycled plastics. Broader policy changes, including restrictions on hazardous chemicals in plastics and more transparency in the recycling process, are needed to protect public health.