An alarming new study is focusing attention on common household items that could put consumers at risk by exposing them to a chemical compound banned as of 2021.
Plastics from electronics are often recycled and incorporated into common household items, such as kitchen utensils and children’s toys.
Black plastic has been found to potentially contain “alarming” levels of toxic flame retardants during recycling processes.
However, health concerns have been raised following Chemosphere’s findings, highlighting the potential dangers of plastic recycling.
Plastics from electronics are often recycled and incorporated into common household items, such as kitchen utensils and children’s toys.
The study found traces of flame retardants, which are used in electronics, in 85 percent of the 203 black plastic products analyzed.
“Despite the lack of transparency and restrictions, plastics from electronics are often recycled and can be incorporated into household items that do not require flame retardants, resulting in potentially high and unnecessary exposure,” the study states.
It found an estimate of exposure to the restricted compound BDE-209, a form of decaBDE One of the flame retardants that the study detected in kitchen utensils indicated that users would have an “average intake of 34,700 ng/day.”
This is said to exceed the estimated amount we are exposed to due to dust and diet. DecaBDE has been extensively studied and was banned in 2021 by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Lead author Megan Liu said: “These cancer-causing chemicals shouldn’t be used to begin with, but with recycling, they are entering our environment and our homes in more ways than one.” The high levels we found are worrying.’
Traces of the toxic compound were found at high levels in children’s toys and jewelry.
The compound was linked to cancer, endocrine and thyroid problems, fetal and infant development, immune and reproductive system toxicity, and neurological functions such as memory.
The study’s lead author, Megan Liu, said cnn: ‘One product with one of the highest levels of flame retardants was the black plastic pirate coin beads used by children; They look like Mardi Gras beads, but more for dressing up’
Liu also said that the most common flame retardants found in consumer products were the same ones used in electronic casings of products such as televisions, and these were mixed with consumer items due to “mistakes in e-waste recycling,” he reported. the middle.
The study found the highest levels in sushi trays, bead necklaces and kitchen utensils.
While the study only looked at black plastics, concerns remain about other household items. Liu recommended switching from black utensils to stainless steel or glass, but calls for stricter safety standards and control of toxic products.
He added: “These cancer-causing chemicals shouldn’t be used to begin with, but with recycling, they are entering our environment and our homes in more ways than one.” The high levels we found are worrying.’