[Update] On Sunday, December 15th, the authors of a study referenced in this alert issued a correction to their findings. We have updated the alert and assets to reflect this correction. Updated text is shown in bold.
A new study found that black-colored plastics used in cooking utensils and toys may contain banned toxic chemicals. Over 1 in 4 St. Louis adults (28%) heard about it in the last week.
Why black plastic?
For safety reasons, many electronic products such as TVs with black plastic casings, contain flame retardants. These chemicals prevent or slow the growth of fire, but some have been linked to health problems in humans. When old electronics are improperly recycled, the harmful flame retardants can mix with other plastics and contaminate products made from recycled plastic. The flame-retardant chemicals can get into food, especially when the plastic is heated. That’s why black plastic cooking utensils may be a concern. Health issues from exposure to flame retardants can include cancer and hormone disruption.
How common is contamination?
The study found a flame retardant called “Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209)” in 70% of the black plastic utensils tested. This chemical was banned by EPA in 2021 due to links to cancer and reproductive, developmental, and immune system toxicity. Exposure to BDE-209 from kitchen utensils was estimated at 34,700 ng/day, surpassing intake levels from dust and diet combined.
Note: This finding is from a single study; it has not yet been confirmed by additional research.
Young adults, Whites, less aware
Among 249 adults surveyed in St. Louis and Omaha, NE, those ages 50 and older were most likely to have heard about the risk (44%) and those under age 40 were least likely (19%). Black community members were more likely than Whites to have heard about the risk (41% vs. 20%)
What it means for St. Louisans
If your holiday gift shopping includes new kitchen tools, check product labels or manufacturer information to ensure black utensils are made from food-grade materials and comply with safety standards. When in doubt, consider utensils explicitly labeled as BPA-free or free from hazardous chemicals. St. Louis organizations can share the resources below to help residents make informed purchases and consider safer alternatives for cooking utensils and gifts.
Survey information
This week’s report is based on a survey of 249 adult residents in St. Louis, MO (n = 164) and Omaha, NE (n = 85), conducted from December 7-9, 2024. Explore these data and more at iHeardSTL.
Want to help spread the word? Download the graphics below to share about this topic.
Suggested Caption:
Have you heard about black-colored plastics containing banned toxic chemicals? In one study, 70% of black plastic cooking utensils tested contained banned toxic chemicals.
Read the study at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143319
#iHeardSTL #RecycledPlastic #HolidayShopping #ConsumerSafety
Have a question, comment, or feedback? Let us know! One of our team members will reach out directly.