A new study has found that black plastic used in children’s toys, takeout containers, kitchen utensils, and grocery meat trays may contain high levels of toxic flame retardants. These chemicals could be leaching from recycled electronic products.
The research revealed that plastics from electronic waste were contaminated during recycling, causing flame retardants to end up in everyday items. For instance, black plastic pirate coin toys for children had flame retardant levels as high as 22,800 parts per million, while a black sushi tray contained 11,900 ppm of decaBDE, a toxic chemical banned in the US in 2021.
Experts recommend that consumers use non-plastic kitchen utensils, such as stainless steel, and avoid heating food in black plastic containers to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. The study underscores the need for stricter government and corporate policies to limit the use of hazardous substances and ensure safe recycling practices to protect public health.
