Black plastic: Its dangers and ways to avoid it.

Why in the NEWS?

• A study found that black plastic contains toxic chemicals that may pose health risks.

Key Points:

• A study claimed that black plastic contains toxic flame retardants that can leach into food and pose a health risk.
• It is used in the manufacture of kitchen products such as spatulas, takeout boxes and kitchen peelers.
• It was later found that the study had miscalculated the levels of toxic chemicals.
• The researchers had to correct their calculations and the actual risk was found to be lower than previously thought.

What will you read next in this topic?

• What did the study find?
• What is black plastic?
• Research error and correction
• Toxic chemicals in black plastic
• Are black plastic products safe?
• Ways to avoid black plastic

What did the study find?

• A study in October 2023 analysed 203 black plastic products (kitchen utensils, takeaway containers, toys).
• These products were found to contain a flame-retardant chemical called decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209).
• This chemical can leach into foods, possibly causing adverse health effects.
• According to the study, some kitchen tools may result in up to 34,700 ng of BDE-209 entering the body per day.
• The researchers warned that this level may be close to the US EPA's (Environmental Protection Agency) recommended safe limit.

What is black plastic?

• Black plastic is usually made from recycling old electronic waste (computers, TVs, appliances, etc.).
• It may contain flame retardants and heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, bromine, antimony).
• These chemicals are used to protect electronic devices from fire.
• These toxic substances are banned in many countries, but some old plastics still make it into the recycling process.
• This plastic is commonly used in cookware, takeout boxes, and other kitchen products, which can pose a risk of toxic chemicals leaching into food.

Research error and correction

• The study miscalculated the EPA's (Environmental Protection Agency) reference dose by 10 times.
• The corrected calculations showed that exposure from black plastic spatulas and spoons was 10 times lower than the EPA's recommended limit.
• Scientists are still not sure about the "safe dose" of chemicals released from black plastic.
• Questions have also been raised about how accurate and reliable the exposure limits given by the EPA are.

Toxic chemicals in black plastic

Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209)

• A flame retardant chemical added to electronics and plastic products to prevent fires.
• May be linked to problems such as hormone imbalances, nervous system damage and cancer.

Bromine

• A flame retardant element that comes from old electronic waste.
• May cause thyroid hormone imbalances and reproductive problems.

Antimony

• Used to strengthen plastics.
• High levels of exposure can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems and an increased risk of cancer.

Lead

• Heavy metal used in electronic devices.
• May cause impaired brain development, high blood pressure and kidney problems.

Cadmium

• Toxic metal element used in batteries and electronics.
• It can weaken bones and damage kidneys and lungs.

Mercury

• Can get into black plastic from old electronic waste during the recycling process.
• It can damage the brain and nervous system, especially dangerous for children and pregnant women.

Are black plastic products safe?

• There is still uncertainty about the use of black plastic. 
• Even though studies have found that the levels of chemicals like BDE-209 in them are below the EPA's safe limit, scientists are still not sure whether there is a "safe dose" of these toxic substances.

Scientific approach and need for research

• Black plastic is produced from electronic waste, which can contain a variety of toxic chemicals and heavy metals.
• It is not yet clear what effects long-term exposure to these chemicals can have on human health.
• Scientists believe that more research is needed to determine safe limits and health effects.

Avoiding black plastic altogether is not the solution

• Completely throwing away all black plastic products is not a practical solution, as this will only add to the problem of plastic waste.
• Instead, careful and limited use may be a better option.
• If a product is worn out or has cracks, it is advisable to replace it, as in such a situation, toxic elements of plastic can get into the food.

Need to adopt safe alternatives

• Stainless steel, silicone, wood or glass utensils and containers can be used instead of black plastic.
• If plastic has to be used, give preference to BPA-free and food-grade plastic.
• Promote recycling and avoid unnecessary use of black plastic.

Ways to avoid black plastic

• Limit black plastic utensils and containers – Reuse spatulas, takeout boxes and other kitchen items only when there are no better options available.
• Make safer choices – Use more kitchen tools and containers made of glass, stainless steel, silicone or wood.
• Avoid hot and oily foods – Avoid storing hot or oily foods in black plastic containers, as toxic chemicals can leach into the food at high temperatures.
• Avoid low-quality plastic products – Especially avoid products that are made of cheap, recycled or uncertified food-grade plastic.
• Practice eco-friendly habits – Prefer sustainable and biodegradable alternatives to plastic and encourage plastic recycling.
• Check before buying new black plastic products – If it is necessary to use a plastic product, choose BPA-free and food-grade plastic.
• Spread knowledge and awareness – Educate family and friends about the dangers of black plastic and encourage them to adopt safer alternatives.