Black plastic kitchenware has become a household staple. But it can be dangerous. Experts warn that households that have them should throw them away.
The New York Post reported that research results from the Toxic-Free Futures Research Institute and the Amsterdam Institute for Life and the Environment. Free University of Amsterdam, revealed that from testing 203 household items made from black plastic, 85 percent were found to contain high levels of flame retardants.
The research was published in the journal Chemosphere. Megan Liu, the research center’s science and policy manager. Explained that flame retardants are the same chemicals used to make electronic devices like televisions, smartphones and computers.
This substance is found only in devices or appliances made of black plastic, not in plastics of other colors. This is because electronic devices that can be recycled and coated with these flame retardants are often black. The examination found this substance in worrying quantities.
The study also found that the plastics used in these electronic devices could be recycled and turned into kitchenware that doesn’t necessarily need flame retardant properties. But it could leave us unnecessarily exposed to this hazardous substance. Which could pose a serious health risk. Especially for children and women of childbearing age.
Researchers say health problems associated with exposure to this substance include cancer, endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity and reproductive system toxicity, and fetal toxicity.
While brands or manufacturers were not disclosed. The ทางเข้า ufabet team found the highest levels of the flame retardant in items like spatulas. Packaged sushi trays sold in stores and plastic bead necklaces.
Meanwhile, Heather Stapleton, a professor at Duke University’s Roni-Richel Garcia-Johnson Institute, said the findings clearly show that flame retardant electronics. Such as the casings of large TVs, are being recycled into food containers and kitchen utensils.
He added that “while developing sustainable ways to manage plastic waste is important. We should be careful and ensure that we do not increase our exposure to hazardous chemicals in recycled materials.”
While it’s hard to eliminate all the hazards from your home. You should start reducing your use of those kitchen appliances that you might be concerned about, suggests Jamie Alan, an associate professor at Michigan State University.
“If you can gradually change spoons or use less black-coated utensils, that’s a good thing,” Alan says.
Alan also recommends that if these dangerous appliances cannot be replaced immediately, then avoid using or touching hot objects for long periods of time. However, if these plastics melt or deform when exposed to heat, then the appliance should be replaced immediately.
He also recommends alternative containers or kitchenware that are better than black plastic, namely utensils made of metal, wood and ceramic, but they must be cleaned and disinfected regularly.