Why you might want to ditch that plastic spatula

Your plastic kitchen utensils may be trying to kill you. Okay, that’s hyperbole, but a recent study found that kitchen utensils, takeaway containers, and even jewelry made from black plastic contained high levels of potentially toxic chemicals, which may be reason for concern if not panic. The study, published in the journal Chemosphere, found two kinds of flame retardants – brominated and organophosphate – in 85 percent of the 200+ samples that were tested. Another chemical, BDE-209, was also discovered in some of the tested products. This chemical has been banned because it is believed to have “systemic toxic effects on living organisms” and could be carcinogenic.

Why are these chemicals in the products in the first place? Ironically, recycling seems to be the culprit. The flame retardants were applied to things like televisions and electronic devices, and when these items are recycled, the chemicals ride along with the rest of the plastic. “Companies continue to use toxic flame retardants in plastic electronics, and that’s resulting in unexpected and unnecessary toxic exposures,” said study co-author Megan Liu in a social media post. Unsurprisingly, industry trade group North American Flame Retardant Alliance disagrees with the implications of this study.

Another question you may have is: Why is black plastic seemingly more problematic than other colors? The answer may also lie in recycling. As professor Joe Schwarcz of McGill University explains, black plastic is notoriously difficult to recycle and almost all of it ends up in the landfill. This means that chemicals that aren’t supposed to be used in recyclable plastics can more easily find their way into these items. Companies don’t have much incentive to use higher quality plastic compounds because they know this stuff will end up in the waste stream.