Why You Should Toss Your Black Plastic Kitchen Utensils ASAP

A new study finds flame retardants and other toxic chemicals in common kitchen and household items that contain black plastic.

Schatzif/Getty Images

In a new study published in Chemosphere, researchers found that some black plastic items sold in the U.S. contained harmful flame retardants due to electronic recycling practices. Black plastics tested included kitchen utensils and toys, which, if contaminated with flame retardants, pose an added risk of adverse health effects due to their contact with the mouth and increased exposure. Toxic-Free Future and the Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment led the research—here's what their data says and what it means for you.

Megan Liu, study co-author and science and policy manager at Toxic-Free Future, explained in a press release that the flame retardants (FRs) found in black plastic household items are still used or were once used in plastic electronic components, like those found inside TVs, cell phones, and computers.

These harmful substances are banned from certain applications that don’t require FRs, but their continued use in electronics is of particular concern for researchers due to their presence in other areas, like kitchen utensils. The study authors hypothesize these FRs get into everyday black plastic items through current recycling processes.

This is the first study to link black plastics in the U.S. market to toxic chemicals that, according to the authors, can cause “carcinogenicity, endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, and reproductive and developmental toxicity.”

The highest level of FRs were found in a spatula, sushi tray, and a child’s beaded necklace, but the researchers did not disclose the brands or companies that manufactured the items. The study only tested black plastic items (and not plastics in other colors) because the electronic components that use FRs and are recycled tend to be black.

While the study is the first to link U.S. black plastic household items to FRs, only a minority are suspected to contain FRs. Based on their initial screening, the study suggests that, of all black plastic household items, “about 10% of the products likely contained BFRs.”

Toxic-Free Future’s director of Mind the Store, Mike Schade, urged retailers and suppliers to test products that use recycled plastics to be sure they’re not unknowingly introducing toxic chemicals. He believes that transparency in the supply chain can help prevent toxic FRs from getting into recycled plastics.

In the meantime, consumers who are concerned can limit their exposure to black plastics in any item that comes in contact with food. A subset of children’s toys with black plastic components could also pose a risk, so minimize exposure if the item comes into contact with a child's mouth.

Liu B, Hans-Joachim Lehmler, Ye Z, et al. Exposure to Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers and Risk of All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality. JAMA network open. 2024;7(4):e243127-e243127. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.3127‌

Liu M, Brandsma SH, Schreder E. From e-waste to living space: Flame retardants contaminating household items add to concern about plastic recycling. Chemosphere. 2024;365:143319. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143319‌