Everyday Items Made of Black Plastic Could Be Hiding a Dangerous Secret

Editor’s Note (12/19/2024): UPDATE/CORRECTION: The study discussed in this article warned about black plastic kitchen utensils and flame retardants contained a significant miscalculation. It overstated the risk of BDE-209 exposure, which was found to be only 8.3% of the safe daily limit, not 83%. While the study’s concerns about toxic additives and plastic recycling remain valid, the exaggerated threat was corrected. The researchers issued a correction, maintaining their call for safer materials and more regulation, despite the error not affecting the overall conclusion.

A new study has found that the black plastic used in the production of toys and kitchen utensils may contain worrying levels of toxic flame retardants. These toxic chemicals are believed to have leached from electronic products during the recycling process. But, how did plastics from electronic products make their way into utensils, and what damage do they do? Let’s find out more about these toxic black plastics in the article below. 

Results of the Toxic Black Plastic Study

According to the study, toy pirate coin beads used for kids’ costume wear displayed the highest levels of flame retardant chemicals. These black plastic beads contained up to 22,800 parts per million of these toxic chemicals. That makes up an alarming 3% of the toy’s weight! The most dangerous of these chemicals are the same ones that are typically used in the production of enclosures for electronic devices, such as TVs. The study’s researchers believe that these toxic chemicals must have accidentally contaminated the products due to a mistake in the recycling process. 

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Even Food-Related Products Were Found to be Contaminated

Even sushi trays made from black plastic were found to be contaminated. They were measured containing 11,900 parts per million of decaBDE (decabromodiphenyl ether), a member of the PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ether) group of flame retardants. According to a 2024 study, people with high levels were 300% more likely to die from cancer. This is when compared to people measured as having low levels of PBDEs in their blood.

Restrictions on DecaBDE

The EPA fully banned DecaDBE in 2021 after it was found to be linked to thyroid and endocrine issues, cancer, neurobehavioural function, fetal development, and immune system toxicity. [1] Yet, levels of decaDBE ranging from 5 – 1,200 greater than the limit were found in a staggering 70% of the samples they tested. Any person using kitchen utensils contaminated with decaDBE was estimated to be exposed to around 34.7 parts per million each day. Most concerning was the fact that these retardants aren’t meant to be used anymore. 

Flame-Retardant Electronic Devices

Flame-retardant electronic devices are widely used in American households to prevent fires. The average household has over 20 electronic devices, including cell phones, laptops,  televisions, gaming systems, and tablets. These gadgets are an integral part of our daily lives, but without flame retardants, they could present additional safety issues. Flame retardants are also used in the production of couches, office chairs, infant car seats, carpet padding, and yoga mats. Flame retardants then “leach” into the air and subsequently attach to food, and water, which may then be consumed. [2]

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Limitations of the Study

The study only looked at the levels of flame retardants in black plastics. Therefore, it was unable to say whether other color plastics were also exposed. Additionally, the researchers did not name any of the specific brands that were evaluated in the study. Previous studies in other countries have indicated the same problem regarding black plastic tainted with flame retardants. They further demonstrated that flame retardants may seep from kitchen utensils into food and into children’s saliva through mouthing their toys. [3] They have yet to do studies that look specifically at food contact materials in the US. 

Bromine Levels

In the study, researchers examined 203 products to determine their bromine levels. They then further examined the 20 products with the highest levels of bromine. This is because bromine is considered a key indicator of flame retardant use. Brominated flame retardants are very toxic and remain in the body for many years. This makes them of particular point of concern to the researchers. There are no safe levels of brominated flame retardants and in 2018 alone, they cost the American healthcare system $159 billion. 

What Can We Do About This Issue?

As a consumer, it is up to you to be a conscientious shopper. Therefore, try to support manufacturers and companies that have policies about their products being retardent-free. If you have any black plastic kitchen utensils, replace them with plastic-free or stainless steel options. Also, stay away from reusing black plastic food containers that you typically get fast food in. IN fact, remove your food from these containers as soon as possible. It is also important that you don’t microwave or heat up these plastics in any way. This can potentially lead to the leaching of chemicals into your food. 

The Bottom Line on Black Plastics

In theory, recycling should be beneficial to us and our planet. However, due to mistakes in the recycling process, many electronic devices that contain toxic flame retardants end up being turned into household items. These items include kitchen utensils, children’s plastic toys, plastic fast food containers, and countless other items that can be found around your home. It is recommended that you replace any black plastic kitchenware with something safer. 

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