Black plastic, used to make some children’s toys, takeout containers and kitchen utensils as well as many everyday products including grocery trays and electronics casings can contain dangerous additives which can harm human health by either interfering with your hormones or being a source of toxic metals. Through use in local gardens will lose the | a potential source | University Publishing Australia Black plastic pirate coin beads, which are often found in children’s jewelry sets, were among the worst offenders with some containing up to 22,800 parts per million of total flame retardants; Megan Liu (left) is the lead author and science and policy manager at Toxic-Free Future
The study showed these consumer products contain the same hazardous flame retardants as found in electronic devices, suggesting contamination from reusing e-waste. For instance, a black plastic sushi container ended up containing 11,900 parts per million of the flame retardant decaBDE that is carcinogenic and causes endocrine issues and reproductive toxicity, with the US EPA fully banning it in 2021.
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DecaBDE, for example, is now banned but still at sample detection levels of 70%, occurred at between 5–1,200 times over the level. The three scientists also estimated that regular consumption of black plastic kitchen utensils could expose individuals to 34.7 parts per million decaBDE each day. Linda Birnbaum, a toxicologist not involved in the study, said that while consumers should moderate their useof black plastic with regard to food and they should avoid buying toys made from this type of plastic.
Electronics with flame retardants
Flame retardants, in fact, are prevalent in things like TVs, cell phones and laptop computers as well as gaming systems to keep them from catching fire, then never leaving the market or households that buy them. The chemicals, which are flame retardants, have also been used in items like furniture and car seats where they can migrate into the air and then attach to dust as well as food and water that might be consumed.
The North American Flame Retardant Alliance (NAFRA), added that the recent study did not take into account real human exposure levels, and pointed out at flame retardants as crucial in fire safety and in promoting the recycling of electronic waste. Linda Birnbaum, a toxicologist, said she was worried because black plastic appears to be going into products after it is not properly recycled and because chemicals have been found in some black plastic.
No safe level of some flame retardants
The study, published Tuesday in Chemosphere, was conducted by Toxic-Free and the Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment at Vrije Universiteit. It focused solely on black plastics, so it remains unclear if other colors are affected, according to lead author Megan Liu. The researchers did not specify any product brands tested.
Liu noted that previous studies in other countries have also found black plastic contaminated with flame retardants, which can leach into food from utensils or into children’s saliva from toys. However, such studies had not been conducted on food-related materials in the U.S., prompting the team to investigate toys and kitchenware.
The researchers examined 203 consumer products for bromine, an indicator of flame retardant use, and focused further on 20 items with the highest levels. Dr. Leonardo Trasande of NYU Langone Health, though not involved in the study, emphasized that brominated flame retardants are highly toxic, bioaccumulate in the body, and present no safe exposure level. His previous research found that flame retardants cost the U.S. healthcare system $159 billion in 2018 alone.
What consumers can do
Experts suggest several ways consumers can reduce their exposure to flame retardants. Megan Liu advises replacing plastic kitchen utensils with stainless steel or other plastic-free alternatives to limit contact with harmful additives. Consumers should also look for products from manufacturers that have policies against using flame retardants. Regular dusting, mopping, vacuuming, frequent hand washing, and proper ventilation can also help minimize exposure.
Toxicologist Linda Birnbaum recommends transferring food from black plastic containers into glass, stainless steel, or ceramic dishes right away, and warns against microwaving or heating black plastic as it can cause chemicals to leach into food.
While these steps can help reduce exposure, Liu stresses that the real solution lies in government and corporate policies. She emphasizes that the study demonstrates the risks of allowing harmful chemicals like flame retardants in electronics, which can end up contaminating other products through recycling. Stricter regulations are needed to ensure safer recycling practices and protect public health.
