A recent study has revealed concerning levels of toxic flame retardants in black-colored plastics commonly found in children's toys, takeout containers, kitchen utensils, and grocery trays for meat and produce. These hazardous chemicals, which can leach from electronic products during recycling processes, pose significant health risks. The study identified children's black plastic pirate coin beads as a product with alarmingly high flame retardant levels, containing up to 22,800 parts per million (ppm) of total flame retardants, which is nearly 3% by weight. According to Megan Liu, the lead study author and science and policy manager for Toxic-Free Future, an environmental advocacy group, children often play with these toys for extended periods, increasing their exposure to these harmful substances.

The study discovered that the most dangerous flame retardants in consumer products are identical to those used in electronic enclosures for televisions and other electronic devices. Liu suggests that the plastics used in consumer products may have been contaminated with flame retardants due to errors in the recycling of electronic waste. For instance, a black plastic sushi tray was found to contain 11,900 ppm of decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE), a member of the polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) class of flame retardants. A study from April 2024 indicated that individuals with the highest blood levels of PBDEs were approximately 300% more likely to die from cancer compared to those with the lowest levels. Despite being fully banned by the US Environmental Protection Agency in 2021 due to its links to cancer, endocrine and thyroid issues, and developmental and reproductive toxicity, decaBDE was detected in 70% of the samples tested, with concentrations ranging from five to 1,200 times higher than the European Union's limit of 10 ppm.

Researchers estimated that exposure to contaminated black plastic kitchen utensils, such as spatulas and slotted spoons, could result in an average daily exposure of 34.7 ppm of decaBDE. Toxicologist Linda Birnbaum, former director of the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program, expressed concern about the presence of flame retardants that should no longer be in use. She recommends avoiding black plastic in food contact materials and toys with black plastic components.

Electronic devices are ubiquitous in American homes, with the average home containing over 20 electronic products, including televisions, smartphones, computers, gaming systems, and tablets. According to the American Chemistry Council, these devices are integrated into our daily lives and could pose additional safety risks without flame retardants. Flame retardants are also used in furniture, car upholstery, infant car seats, carpet padding, foam-padded yoga mats, and padded baby items. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences warns that flame retardants can leach from products into the air and then adhere to dust, food, and water, potentially leading to ingestion.

The North American Flame Retardant Alliance, representing manufacturers and users of flame-resistant chemicals, stated that the new study does not account for actual human exposure levels or pathways. Erich Shea, NAFRA’s director of product communications, emphasized the importance of flame retardants in reducing fire-related injuries, fatalities, and property destruction. He also highlighted the significance of recycling plastics from electronic waste in a circular economy, which helps conserve resources and lessen the environmental impact of plastic waste.

Birnbaum pointed out that it is well established that plastics containing or exposed to dangerous chemicals should not be recycled. The study raises a novel concern that black plastic, which should not be recycled, is finding its way into various products, leading to human exposure. The study, published in the journal Chemosphere, was conducted by Toxic-Free and the Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment at Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam. It focused solely on black plastics, so it could not determine if other colored plastics could also be exposed, nor did it name any specific brands of the tested products.

Previous studies in other countries have identified the same issue of black plastic being contaminated with flame retardants, and studies have shown that flame retardants can leach from kitchen utensils into food and into children’s saliva through the mouthing of toys. However, specific studies on food contact materials in the US had not been conducted, which is why the researchers were particularly interested in testing toys and food contact materials like kitchen or food service wear items. The researchers examined 203 consumer products for bromine, a key indicator of the use of flame retardants, and then more closely examined 20 products with the highest levels. Brominated flame retardants are particularly concerning due to their toxicity and tendency to bioaccumulate within the body for years.

Dr. Leonardo Trasande, a professor of pediatrics and population health at NYU Langone Health in New York City, stated that he is not aware of any safe level of brominated flame retardants. He was the lead author of a paper which found that flame retardants cost the US healthcare system $159 billion in 2018 alone. Experts suggest ways for consumers to reduce their risk from flame retardants, such as replacing plastic kitchen utensils with stainless steel options or choosing plastic-free items to reduce overall exposure to harmful additives. Regular dusting, mopping, and vacuuming can remove dust likely contaminated with plastics and other chemicals, including flame retardants. Frequent hand washing and proper ventilation can also help.

Birnbaum advises against microwaving or heating black plastic containers with food, as heat can cause chemicals to leach into the food. While these steps can reduce exposure, there is a limit to what consumers can do. Liu emphasized that when harmful chemicals like flame retardants are intentionally used in products like televisions and other electronics, they can contaminate other products unintentionally during recycling. There is a need for government and corporate policies that restrict the use of these harmful chemicals to ensure safe recycling without chemical contamination and health risks.