Black plastic used in common household items contain toxic flame retardants!

Black plastic used in common household items contain toxic flame retardants – Study!

KAKALI DAS

A study published on October 1 in the journal Chemosphere reveals that certain black plastic used in common household items contains elevated levels of toxic flame retardants.

This issue is particularly prevalent in recycled black plastic, which often includes electronic plastics containing these chemicals. When recycled into consumer products such as spatulas or takeout containers, the toxic substances persist.

Researchers analysed 203 products made from black plastics for the presence of bromine, a harmful chemical used in flame retardants. They discovered that 85% of the products contained these toxins, with total concentrations of flame retardants reaching as high as 22,800 mg per kilogram.

This finding was reported by the study’s authors, Megan Liu and Erika Schreder from Toxic-Free Future, along with Sicco H. Brandsma from the Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Notably, the highest levels of these toxins were found in a sushi tray, a spatula, and a beaded necklace.

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The study also detected the banned substance deca-BDE in plastic products at concentrations ranging from five to 1,200 times higher than the European Union’s limit of 10 ppm.

According to Dr. Leonardo Trasande, Professor of Pediatrics and Population Health at NYU Langone Health, exposure to these types of chemicals is a significant concern. Regarding the safety levels of bromine in plastics, he notes that recycling black plastic is often easier because it blends more readily, facilitating the production of the final product.

However, the issue lies in the fact that the plastics deemed recyclable are sourced from electronics, which contain flame retardants added to prevent combustion. This results in an increased concentration of these toxic flame retardants, known to adversely affect brain development and potentially lead to other health issues, including cancer.

Besides, there are no safe levels of these flame retardants. Even at the lowest levels of exposure, they can disrupt thyroid hormone function during pregnancy, which is critical because the developing baby relies on the mother’s thyroid hormone throughout the second trimester.

Even within the clinically normal range, a small shift in thyroid hormone levels can lead to cognitive deficits and increase the risk of conditions like autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

These toxic chemicals often leach out when exposed to heat, making it particularly concerning in products like spatulas and takeout containers. Many people heat food in these containers, often microwaving them without removing the food, which increases the risk of chemical exposure.

Given that these chemicals persist through the recycling process, it raises the question of whether we should ban the recycling of electronic goods for products destined for kitchen use.

The main takeaway is that these chemicals do not discriminate based on the color of plastic. Chemicals that disrupt hormones or interfere with normal signaling molecules involved in fundamental biological functions are prevalent across all types of plastic.

Recycling tends to concentrate additional chemical exposures due to the other materials present in the waste stream that are processed to create recycled plastic. However, virgin plastic also raises concerns regarding chemical exposure. These plastics are known to mimic estrogen and antagonize the male sex hormone testosterone, potentially contributing to obesity and other metabolic issues.

How to Protect Our Family from Harmful Chemicals in Plastics

According to Dr. Leonardo Trasande, there are simple and cost-effective steps we can take to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals from plastics. These steps do not require advanced knowledge of chemistry or a large financial investment.

1. Reduce Your Plastic Footprint

• Opt for alternatives like stainless steel and glass, which do not carry the same risks as plastics.
• Avoid non-stick pans, as they often contain a plastic layer that may leach harmful chemicals. Instead, choose safer options like cast iron or stainless steel.

2. Use Cast Iron and Stainless Steel

• Cast iron and stainless steel are excellent substitutes for non-stick cookware.
• Applying a little olive oil to a cast iron pan is beneficial, as olive oil contains heart-healthy fats.

3. Avoid Machine Dishwashing and Microwaving Plastic

• Washing plastic items in a dishwasher or heating them in a microwave can accelerate the leaching of harmful chemicals into your food and drinks.
• It is advisable to avoid these practices to minimize chemical exposure.

4. Discard Scratched Plastic Items

• Scratched plastic items pose a greater risk of leaching harmful chemicals. If you notice visible scratches on plastic products, it’s time to replace them.

By following these steps, we can take meaningful action to reduce the risk of chemical exposure for your family.

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