According to this study, a threat weighs in our kitchens. These are certain everyday objects that have proven to be very harmful to health. Indeed, American researchers after carrying out analyzes have banned the use of black plastic utensils constantly in contact with food. We tell you why.
Very practical for serving or mixing food, these kitchen utensils for daily use have been declared dangerous by American researchers after multiple analyzes. Considered not very ecological, these accessories storage and decoration should be thrown away, as they would contain toxic substances very dangerous for health. What objects should be put out of harm’s way right now? We tell you everything.
Black plastic utensils: here are the toxic products they contain
Flame retardant
According to this study published in the scientific journal Chemospherehigh concentrations of flame retardant have been identified in several everyday objects. Indeed, this toxic product is a chemical compound added to objects to make them less flammable and solve the problem of fire resistance according to standards. In their studies, the scientists looked at different accessories for daily use and by analyzing them, each of them revealed the presence of different flame retardants such as brominated flame retardant and the organophosphate flame retardant.
A high rate found in black plastic kitchen utensils
85% of objects tested revealed a level of nearly 22,800 ppm, that is to say parts per million of flame retardant. For example, utensils sold in supermarkets and used on a daily basis such as kitchen trays, spatulas or children’s beaded necklaces are among the common objects having revealed a high rate of this toxic compound. In the United States, this chemical substance has already been banned because it is suspected of being carcinogenic and toxic to many human organs such as reproductive functions.
Toxic compounds harmful to health
The decade-BDE is one of the toxic and harmful compounds that was found in the kitchen utensils tested. Its rate for each article analyzed was estimated to be 5 to 1,200 times higher to that prescribed by the European standard which is 10 ppm. According to these researchers, this is a misuse of extremely dangerous recycled plastic, used by certain electronic device companies which ends up in household objects. It is therefore this substance linked to cancer and responsible for certain hormonal disturbances which is found in utensils in contact with food and children’s play objects.
The objects affected by this measure
Scientists recommend rid of all these objects to rreduce exposure to this dangerous chemical compound. These are:
- Kitchen utensils like spatulas, slotted spoons and some other black plastic tools,
- Meal trays, such as sushi trays and trays,
- Toys for grandchildren, especially those made from recycled plastics,
- Decoration and storage accessories.
These items and many others should be thrown away. Furthermore, you should find out if they are part of the waste to be put in the yellow bin according to the new regulations.
Some steps to take to limit exposure to flame retardant
Everyday objects containing this toxic compound
Maison & Travaux points out that in addition to kitchen utensils, other everyday objects tested have flame retardant. These include upholstered furniture, electronics, insulation materials, rugs, carpets and even curtains. Scientists suspect the dispersion of this toxic compound in the household dustwhich may increase daily exposure. To protect yourself against this substance harmful to health, some experts recommend returning to traditional methods.
Measures to limit exposure to flame retardant
As with the stove flucancer is one of the diseases that can be caught by using these utensils. If you want to reduce the risk of exposure to flame retardant, you can permanently dispose of your kitchen utensils affected by this toxic compound. Other specialists recommend returning to the traditional by using, for example, wooden spoons or in stainless steel plastic-free for cooking. Choose reusable glass containers and containers instead of black plastic utensils.
