A recent study has sparked a debate about the safety of black plastic kitchen items, revealing that several products contain harmful chemicals. Researchers tested 203 products and found that 14 contained decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209), a flame retardant banned by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This discovery raises concerns, as BDE-209 has been linked to cancer. However, experts reassure that black plastic does not pose an immediate threat to public health, although caution is warranted.
The study's findings highlight the presence of over 16,000 chemicals in plastics, with 4,200 linked to negative health or environmental effects. The EPA banned BDE-209 from manufacture and distribution in the U.S. in 2021, following a phase-out of its chemical class, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), over a decade ago. Despite the ban, BDE-209 persists in certain products.
Eighty-five percent of the tested products contained flame retardants, with 65% having a mixture of different classes of these chemicals. The exposure levels to these flame retardants, particularly from black plastic items, are nearing the EPA's safe limit. The EPA's reference dose for oral exposure to BDE-209 is 420,000 nanograms per day for an adult weighing 60 kilograms. However, researchers acknowledge an earlier miscalculation of this reference dose.
"It doesn’t change the overall trust of the paper. The point they made was a legitimate point: that these substances should not be in these items," stated Joe Schwarcz, PhD.
The presence of 11 different flame retardant chemicals has raised eyebrows among experts. Dr. Schwarcz emphasized the unnecessary inclusion of these substances in kitchen items.
"Kitchen spatulas and stuff like that do not need flame retardants," he added.
The potential health risks extend beyond flame retardants. Studies indicate that participants with high levels of PBDEs in their blood had a 300% greater chance of dying from cancer. With this alarming statistic, the study urges a reevaluation of using plastics in kitchens.
"Even if there were zero flame retardants, I still wouldn’t use plastics to cook with because the heat can cause the plastics to degrade and allow a vector for the microplastics and nanoplastics to be consumed," expressed Jaime Ross, PhD.
Experts caution against complacency when it comes to plastic usage in kitchens. Megan Liu advocates for stronger regulations on harmful substances in consumer products.
"They have no reason to be in these products to begin with and should be prohibited," Liu asserted.
The EPA's role in regulating chemical exposure is crucial. The agency's past actions, such as phasing out PBDEs and banning BDE-209, demonstrate its commitment to public safety. However, the discovery of banned substances in everyday items suggests more stringent measures may be necessary.
While black plastic kitchen items may not pose an immediate health threat, their use remains controversial due to the presence of harmful chemicals. The study serves as a reminder to consumers about the potential dangers of plastic use beyond visible damage or degradation.
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