A publication in the JAMA Network Open described that black colored plastic is related to toxic flame retardants.This publication said that people exposed to polybrominated diphenyl ethers, a breakdown product of black colored plastic, had a high risk of causing cancer. The investigators found a close relationship between high blood levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and mortality from cancers. People who were exposed to this chemical had a mortality of 300-fold higher than that of non-exposed people. CNN summarized the findings in this report.
Details of the study
The lead study author Megan Liu is the science and policy manager for Toxic-Free Future, an environmental advocacy group. She said: “The most hazardous flame retardants the study found in consumer products are the same used in electronic enclosures on televisions and other electronics. It appears the plastics used to make the consumer products were contaminated with flame retardants due to mistakes in the recycling of electronic waste.” Black colored plastic is in use in black plastic sushi trays and kitchen tools like spatulas and slotted spoons.
The black plastic sushi tray contained 11,900 parts per million of the flame retardant decabromodiphenyl ether, or decaBDE for short. In 2021 the FDA banned decaBDE completely.
Despite these restrictions researchers found decaBDE in 70% of the samples tested. The concentration was at levels ranging from five to 1,200 times greater than the European Union’s limit of 10 parts per million.
Statistics of the study
The investigators observed 1100 participants for 15.8 years. 199 deaths occurred. The investigators compared the highest 1/3 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) blood serum level to the lowest 1/3 level. People with a higher PBDE serum level had an approximately 300% higher risk of developing cancer compared to the lower level. Other literature found that thyroid and breast cancers were more common after PBDE exposure. Under “discussion” the authors of the study explain that PBDEs are endocrine-disrupting chemicals. This causes hormone imbalances, immune system weaknesses and cancer.
How to remove black plastic from your household
Liu said: “Replace your plastic kitchen utensils with stainless steel options or choose plastic free items to help reduce your overall exposure to harmful additives and plastic. Some manufacturers also have strong policies about removing retardants from their products, so you can also be a careful shopper.” Dusting, mopping and vacuuming regularly removes dust and plastic dust with flame retardants. Liu continued: “I tell people to immediately take the food out of that black plastic and put it in a glass, stainless steel or ceramic dish.”
Black Colored Plastic is Related to toxic Flame Retardants
Conclusion
Black colored plastic is in use in black plastic sushi trays and kitchen tools like spatulas and slotted spoons. These leak toxic flame retardants into the air and into the food they come in contact with. A recent study found that people whose serum blood levels were high in polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) came down with thyroid, breast and other cancers. It is important to clean up the environment to prevent these added cancers. It might take some time before the manufacturers respond to this clinical study. In the meantime, it is “Buyer, beware!” Replace black plastic cooking utensils in your kitchen with stainless steel, wood, and silicone utensils.
