Black kitchenware can cause cancer and disrupt hormonal balance

Black plastic cookware is a staple in many kitchens today. However, a new study has found that some black plastic kitchenware contains high levels of carcinogenic flame retardants, writes New York Post.

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This study was conducted by scientists from Toxic-Free Future, a non-profit organization based in the United States that studies the impact of toxic chemicals on human health and the environment. Together with the Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment at Vrije Universiteit, the organization tested 203 household items made of black plastic. 85% of them had a high concentration of fire-retardant additives (flame retardants). The results of the study were published in the journal Chemosphere.

Megan Liu, a co-author of the study and science and policy manager at Toxic-Free Future, explained that the flame retardants found in the tests are the same ones used in the manufacture of electronics such as televisions, cell phones and computers.

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This is especially true for black plastic products because recycled electronic enclosures containing flame retardants are most often black.

“These cancer-causing chemicals should not be used in the first place, but when they are processed, they end up in the environment and our homes in a variety of ways,” Liu said. “The high levels of flame retardants we found in black cookware are concerning.”

The study notes that recycling plastic used in electronics ultimately leads to its reuse in household items that do not require flame retardancy. This can lead to high levels of hazardous substances, especially for children and women of childbearing age.

According to researchers, associated health concerns include carcinogenicity, endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, and reproductive and developmental toxicity.

While the researchers did not release the names of specific brands or manufacturers of cookware, the highest levels of flame retardants were found in spatulas, sushi trays and, interestingly, plastic garnishes.

One of the chemicals found in the kitchenware was the banned substance decaBDE, which was previously used to make electronic casings. DecaBDE (decabromodiphenyl ether) is a chemical that is a type of brominated flame retardant. It was used to slow the combustion of various materials, such as plastics, fabrics, and other synthetics. It was especially widely used in the electronics industry, such as the casings of televisions, computers, mobile phones, and other devices. The study found that the substance continues to enter our homes through recycled plastic.

"These results clearly demonstrate that electronics containing flame retardants, such as the outer casings of large televisions, are being recycled into food storage containers and kitchen utensils," said Heather Stapleton, professor emeritus at Duke University.

"It is very important to develop sustainable approaches to recycling plastic waste. We must be careful and check that we are not contributing to additional exposure to these hazardous chemicals through recycled materials," she said.

While it's nearly impossible to completely get rid of every potentially harmful item in your home, Jamie Alan, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University, advised getting rid of kitchen items that cause concern gradually.

"If you can gradually replace your spoons or use black plastic utensils less often, that would be great," Alan concluded.

However, if this is not possible, it is not such a big deal, but try not to keep them in contact with hot objects for too long, he advised. However, kitchen utensils should be replaced immediately if they melt or become deformed due to heat.

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"Of course, if you melt a spoon (which has happened to me quite often), throw it away," Alan said, noting that cooked food should also be thrown in the trash.

Metal, wood, and ceramic cookware are all good alternatives. Alan prefers metal because it is easier to clean and is suitable for high-temperature cooking.

Wood and ceramic are also good, but they are more difficult to clean and disinfect properly.

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