Concerns over black plastic utensils surged after a study found flame retardants in kitchen tools, but experts say the real issue is outdated safety limits for these chemicals.
Shannon Osaka reports for The Washington Post.
In short:
- A study initially miscalculated U.S. Environmental Protection Agency safety levels for flame retardants in black plastic utensils but confirmed high contamination levels.
- Experts argue that federal exposure limits for flame retardants, linked to IQ loss and cancer, are outdated and underestimate risks.
- Many consumer products, including electronics, continue to contain these chemicals, with little transparency or regulation.
Key quote:
“The reference dose is not a safe level.”
— Tracey Woodruff, professor of reproductive sciences, University of California at San Francisco
Why this matters:
Flame retardants, once common in furniture and electronics, persist in household dust and accumulate in the body over time. Research links these chemicals to developmental issues in children, cancer, and thyroid disorders. While some have been phased out, they remain in recycled plastics, including those used in kitchenware, raising questions about long-term exposure risks. Scientists warn that current regulations assess chemicals individually rather than considering cumulative exposure from multiple sources. Without stricter oversight, consumers may unknowingly ingest harmful substances daily.
