Put black plastic products on the blacklist. Black plastic products, particularly those made with recycled materials, are high in flame retardants.
A recent study found that sushi trays, toys, and utensils had particularly high amounts of these harmful chemicals, with some having up to 1,2000 times above the safety limit! [1] While intended to enhance fire safety, flame retardants are associated with significant health risks, including cancer, hormone disruption, and adverse effects on neurodevelopment, particularly in children [2]. We all want to make the safest choices for our families while keeping life convenient and practical. Here are some tips for avoiding flame retardants in your products!
Black Plastic Study - What to Know
Let's talk about some concerning findings from a recent study that might affect our daily lives. Researchers discovered that many everyday items we use, especially those made of black plastic, contain unexpected and potentially harmful chemicals called flame retardants. These chemicals are typically used in electronics, but they're showing up in things like kitchen utensils, toys, and even food containers.
The study found that 85% of the products they tested had these flame retardants, with some items containing levels nearly 3% of their total weight. That's a lot, considering that TV casings, which are meant to have flame retardants, usually start at about 5% by weight.
What's particularly worrying is that they found a banned, cancer-causing flame retardant called deca-BDE in many products. In fact, 14 items had levels of this chemical that were 5 to 1,200 times higher than what's allowed in the European Union!
These chemicals can easily get into our bodies, especially when we use contaminated utensils for cooking or when children play with affected toys. The good news is that there are simple ways we can protect ourselves and our loved ones.
Which Black Plastics Have Highest Levels of Flame Retardants?
Plastic-free is the way to be, especially if the plastic has a black hue. Most of these products tested for high levels of flame retardants.
Some of the most common types of products to use black plastics with high levels of flame retardants include:
- Food service ware (sushi, fast food trays)
- Kitchen utensils (spatulas, peelers, slotted spoons, slotted turners, basting spoons, and pasta servers)
- Toys (toy cars, travel checkers set, pirate coin medallion beads, mini tabletop pool, and pirate hook)
- Hair accessories/hair brushes
- Costume beads
Black-colored plastic items were tested for Bromine-based flame retardants (Br) and antimony trioxide (Sb).
Here is the exact breakdown from the report:
|
Product Name |
Product Category |
Br (ppm) |
Sb (ppm) |
|
Sushi Tray |
Food Serviceware |
18,600 |
3230 |
|
Toy Car |
Toys |
5410 |
ND |
|
Peeler |
Kitchen Utensils |
4480 |
1140 |
|
Travel Checkers Set |
Toys |
4350 |
993 |
|
Pirate Coin Medallion Beads |
Toys |
3600 |
ND |
|
Peeler |
Kitchen Utensils |
3280 |
ND |
|
Slotted Spoon |
Kitchen Utensils |
1100 |
ND |
|
Slotted Turner |
Kitchen Utensils |
1010 |
ND |
|
Basting Spoon |
Kitchen Utensils |
993 |
ND |
|
Pasta Server |
Kitchen Utensils |
957 |
ND |
|
Laid Back Party Beads- Charm |
Toys |
682 |
ND |
|
Slotted Turner |
Kitchen Utensils |
594 |
ND |
|
Slotted Turner |
Kitchen Utensils |
528 |
ND |
|
Slotted Spoon |
Kitchen Utensils |
144 |
ND |
|
Laid Back Party Beads- Beads |
Toys |
136 |
ND |
|
Mini Tabletop Pool |
Toys |
133 |
ND |
|
Pirate Hook |
Toys |
124 |
ND |
|
Hair Brush |
Hair Accessories |
123 |
ND |
|
Toy Car |
Toys |
69 |
ND |
|
Fast Food Tray |
Food Serviceware |
51 |
ND |
Why Are Flame Retardants In Black Plastics?
Flame retardants are being found in black plastic household items due to the unintended consequences of recycling electronic waste. These chemicals are originally used in electronics to prevent fires.
The prevalence of flame retardants in black plastics is specifically due to their use in electronic casings. Flame retardants are commonly found in headphone wires, cable TV cords, handheld devices, and more. However, they are making their way into everyday products, including ones that don't require flame resistance.
When these devices are recycled, the black-colored plastics containing flame retardants can be incorporated into new products, including kitchen utensils, toys, and food containers.
This contamination occurs because of inadequate regulations and transparency in the recycling process. Due to our current recycling protocols, harmful chemicals can persist in the material stream.
Both older, phased-out flame retardants, like decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209), and newer replacements, such as decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) and organophosphate flame retardants, are being detected in numerous household items.
The presence of these chemicals in food-contact materials and toys is particularly concerning due to their potential to leach during use and their association with various health issues, including cancer, endocrine disruption, and developmental toxicity.
Health Risk of Flame Retardants in Black Plastics
Make small lifestyle changes to set yourself up for a healthier future. One of the most practical ways to achieve this feat is by reducing your use of black plastic products. The presence of flame retardants in black plastics is a deeply concerning issue that affects us all, particularly our most vulnerable populations. It's natural to feel worried when learning about these risks, but it's important to approach this information with both care and empowerment.
Cancer Risk
With rising incidences of cancer, it’s safe to assume Americans have a right to be concerned about the use of flame retardants. One study of 16,162 adults found that those who had high levels of flame retardant polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in their blood face a sobering 300% higher risk of dying from cancer [3].
Neurological Effects
Children are at higher risk of developing health issues related to environmental chemical exposures. Increasing research suggests that repeated exposure to flame retardants may impact the attention, personal thoughts, and social skills of children [4].
Hormonal Disruption
Endocrine and thyroid issues linked to flame retardants can have wide-ranging effects on our bodies [5]. Our hormonal systems are delicate balances, and disruptions can impact many aspects of our health and well-being. Hormones influence sleep, stress response, reproduction, and more.
Obesity Risks
Diet and exercise aren’t the only factors that impact your weight. Many flame retardants are considered obesogens, which are chemicals that can promote obesity. Research has shown that flame retardants can interfere with the body's metabolic processes and contribute to weight gain and obesity-related health issues [6].
Premature Birth
Nurture a healthy pregnancy by reducing your exposure to flame retardants in black plastics.
A large study by UC Davis Health found concerning links between flame retardants and birth outcomes. The research showed that exposure to certain OPEs during pregnancy was associated with a higher risk of preterm birth, especially for baby girls. Additionally, some OPEs were linked to greater birth weight, which could increase the risk of childhood obesity [7].
While these risks are undoubtedly alarming, it's important to remember that awareness is the first step toward change. By understanding these dangers, we can make informed choices to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Together, we can advocate for safer alternatives and stricter regulations to ensure a healthier future for all.
Ways Flame Retardants in Black Plastics Can Enter Our Bodies
Flame out the presence of flame retardants in your body. Learn how you can become exposed to these harmful chemicals so you can avoid them as much as possible.
Flame retardants can enter bodies by ingesting chemicals that contaminate your food, absorbing them through your skin by handling or wearing black plastics, and inhaling the chemicals as they off-gas from devices.
Common sources of exposure to flame retardants in black plastics include:
- Heating up food inside takeout containers
- Biting on black plastic utensils while eating
- Using black combs or hair brushes with plastic black bristles or tines
- Playing with toys like pirate hooks, especially with warm, sweaty hands
- Wearing and handling headphones, watches, or other electronics made with black plastic
It's important to remember that while this information might seem scary, there are simple steps we can take to reduce our exposure. Let’s take a closer look at them!
How to Avoid Flame Retardants In Black Plastic Materials?
Feel your best while setting a healthy foundation for your future family. Reduce your use of plastic products as soon as possible. Prioritize removing black plastic from your routine and avoiding it whenever possible.
Avoid Black Food Utensils and Containers
Replace black plastic utensils with stainless steel, wood, or silicone options. Not only are these safer, but they often last longer and look more stylish.
If you are taking food home from a restaurant, inquire about their packaging options. If you know they have a history of giving you black to-go containers, contact the restaurant ahead of time. Many restaurants are jumping on board with guests bringing their own containers. See if you can bring your own glass, stainless steel, or platinum-grade silicone food storage containers.
Never microwave food in black plastic containers. Instead, transfer food to glass or ceramic dishes before heating.
Remove Black Plastic Toys from the Toy Bin
Make black plastic pirate hooks walk the plank. Our little ones are especially vulnerable, so let's focus on their safety.
Choose wooden or fabric toys when possible. These natural materials often have a timeless charm and can be passed down through generations.
If buying plastic toys, avoid black ones and look for labels indicating “bisphenol-free" and "phthalate-free."
Create a Cleaner Home Environment
Flame retardants can collect in household dust, which we then inhale all day and night. Small cleaning habits can make a big difference in reducing exposure.
Dust and vacuum regularly, especially in areas with electronic devices. This simple act can significantly reduce the amount of flame retardants in household dust.
Use a damp cloth when dusting to prevent particles from becoming airborne. Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating or preparing food.
Listen to Audio Out Loud
Black plastic items can come in contact with skin, like headphone wires, charging cables, and electronic accessories. The same flame retardants found in kitchen items and toys can be present in these electronics-related items, with some containing levels up to 1,200 times higher than safety limits.
To minimize exposure, consider using alternatives like braided fabric-covered cables or silicone-coated wires when possible. For audio enjoyment, using speakers instead of headphones with black plastic components can help reduce direct skin contact with potentially contaminated materials.
If you must use wired headphones, look for options with minimal black plastic components, or choose brands known for strong chemical safety policies. Regular hand washing is especially important after handling black plastic cables or electronic accessories.
Why Black Plastic Is Bad News
There are concerning levels of toxic flame retardants in black-colored plastic products throughout our home. A recent study found that levels of some flame retardants in black plastics were up to 1,200 times above safety limits. Most of these contaminations are from the use of recycled plastics.
The good news is that simple changes can make a big difference. Never heat leftovers in plastic, especially black plastic. Consider bringing glass containers to restaurants to bring your leftovers home. Shop for toys made of natural materials, like wood or cloth. Dust, mop, and vacuum regularly to prevent flame retardants from collecting in dust. Be especially diligent in areas where there are a lot of electronics and wires. Lastly, limit your exposure to devices made of plastic use by listening to audio out loud.
By making informed choices about the products we bring into our homes today, we're not only protecting our families but also supporting the push for safer manufacturing practices and better oversight of recycled plastics.
Resources
[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0045653524022173?via%3Dihub
[2] https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/flame_retardants
[3] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2816783
[4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7781237/
[5] https://academic.oup.com/toxsci/article/186/2/190/6519345
[6] https://www.diabetesandenvironment.org/home/environmental-chemicals/persistent-organic-pollutants/flame-retardants
[7] https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/exposure-to-flame-retardants-linked-to-premature-birth-higher-birth-weight/2024/01