be careful with black plastic kitchen utensils

Bromine, a chemical element present in almost all flame retardants, is known to be carcinogenic, neurotoxic, toxic for reproduction and development as well as an endocrine disruptor.

Flame retardants: when recycling proves to be an enemy more than a friend

What if your black kitchen utensils were your worst enemies? As a study published in the journal Chemosphere reveals, this is not impossible. Laboratory tests have shown that around one in ten black kitchen utensils contain flame retardants. Rest assured, kitchen utensil manufacturers don’t add it on purpose. These unwanted compounds actually come from other black plastic products, in particular the covers of tech objects such as televisions, DVD players, hi-fi systems, computers, etc.

Indeed, the lids of all these objects contain flame retardants. This is done on purpose as a precautionary measure, in case the tech object in question catches fire. The chemical composition of flame retardants varies little: all or almost all are based on bromine. This is also why these objects are always black: it is not easy to incorporate bromine into an object of another color. But, bad news: when the end of the life of these objects approaches, they are recycled to make other objects of the same color… and this is where the bromine migrates into the new object.

Read also – 10 tips for removing plastic from your kitchen

Favor wooden or stainless steel kitchen utensils

This is indeed a concern when it comes to kitchen utensils since bromine particles can migrate from plastic into food, particularly when utensils are subjected to heat during cooking. And the effects of flame retardants on health are not trivial. They are often associated with hormonal disorders, developmental problems in children and an increased risk of certain types of cancer. Recent studies have demonstrated that these substances persist in the environment and accumulate in the body over time, amplifying their potential for toxicity.

Faced with these worrying findings, it is essential to take measures to reduce the risks associated with the use of these utensils. Consumers can opt for alternatives such as high-quality stainless steel, wood, bamboo or silicone, which do not contain flame retardants. These materials are safer and reduce the risk of food contamination with toxic substances. Plus, they offer similar or even greater durability than black plastic utensils.

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Why you should get rid of your damaged pans

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