Health Risks Associated with Cooking with Black Plastic Utensils

A recent study published by Toxic-Free Future uncovered cancer-causing, hormone-disrupting, flame retardant chemicals in a variety of household gadgets made with black plastics. According to the study, a chemical known as DecaBDE is used when recycling black plastic made from old cellphones, televisions, and laptops. DecaBDE or decabromodiphenyl ether, is a flame retardant used in plastics and textiles to reduce the risk of fires.

It is important to note the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned DecaBDE from being used in the United States as of March 8, 2021. However, companies are continuing to use toxic flame retardants in black plastic electronics, which are exposing many of us to unnecessary toxic substances. Findings from the study indicate that using black plastic cooking utensils such as spatulas and spoons can expose consumers to an average of 34.7 parts per million of DecaBDE a day. Heat accelerates chemicals leaching into our foods. To keep you and your family safe, never store or heat food in black plastic containers. You should also avoid consuming food stored on black-colored styrofoam trays, including sushi, grocery meat, cheese, and produce. Kraft brown paper boxes are healthier alternatives for takeout food storage. When cooking at home, use bamboo or stainless-steel instead of plastic cooking utensils. Finally, keep chemicals from leaching into your cooked food by using glass or stainless-steel containers.

Read more about the study published by Toxic-Free Future. Please share this information with your family and friends, so they can make informed choices.

Be well!

Source:

Toxic-Free Future. (2024). First-ever study finds cancer-causing chemicals in black plastic food-contact items sold in the U.S. Retrieved from: https://toxicfreefuture.org/press-room/first-ever-study-finds-cancer-causing-chemicals-in-black-plastic-food-contact-items-sold-in-the-u-s/