Potential health risks from black plastic kitchenware
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Recent research published in the journal Chemosphere highlights that black plastic kitchenware, such as spatulas and stirring spoons, may be home to low levels of toxic chemicals, including flame retardants, which could leach into food during cooking. These chemicals are often remnants from recycled electronic waste and pose potential health risks especially when exposed to cooking heat. Replacing plastic kitchen utensils with alternatives made from safer materials like stainless steel, silicone, and wood or bamboo is an easy and effective way to reduce exposure to these potentially toxic chemicals, ensuring a healthier cooking environment.
Source
Liu, M., Brandsma, S. H., & Schreder, E. (2024). From e-waste to living space: Flame retardants contaminating household items add to concern about plastic recycling. Chemosphere, 365, 143319. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143319
Additional Reading
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/toxic-black-plastic-kitchen-alternatives/
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/27/black-plastic-bad-six-things-to-know