A study published on Tuesday, Oct. 1, found that black-colored plastics may contain concerning levels of a toxic flame retardant that could be leaching in through the recycling process. The study, done by environmental advocacy group Toxic-Free Future, found the highest levels of the toxic chemical in costume jewelry kids often wear when dressing up as pirates.
The study’s lead author said these necklaces contain toxic chemicals equal to almost 3% of their weight.
This is not the first study to link black plastic to toxic chemicals, but it is the first to link it to a class of chemicals known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) which have been linked to a significantly increased risk of dying from cancer.
Researchers found one PBDE, in particular, known as decaBDE was found in 70% of samples tested even though it was completely banned in the U.S. by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2021.
The European Union allows a level of decaBDEs up to 10 parts per million in products. The study’s authors said they found levels ranging from 5-1,200 times greater than that in the products they tested.
Take black plastic kitchen utensils for example. Researchers say based on how often they’re used, you could be exposed to nearly 38 parts per million of decaBDE per day — more than three times what the E.U. has deemed acceptable.
Most of the contamination can be traced back to flame retardants used in electronic devices like TVs, smartphones, gaming systems, and computers. This contamination occurs when these items are improperly recycled.
However, these flame retardants can also be found in the padding of things like couches, yoga mats, children’s car seats, just to name a few.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences said these toxic chemicals can leach from products into the air then attach to things like food, drinks and dust, which are then ingested. However, the North American Flame Retardant Alliance pointed out this recent study did not account for actual levels of exposure in humans or how they were exposed.
The study also only looked at black plastics, so it’s unclear if the toxic chemicals can be found in any other color of plastic.
Researchers say if you want to cut down your exposure, you can replace your kitchen utensils with stainless steel, dust, mop, and vacuum regularly to get rid of any dust that has been contaminated, and never wash and reuse the black plastic containers your food comes in or put them in the microwave.
