WP "Black Plastic Causes Cancer... Be Careful with Sushi Containers"

"Replace Plastic Kitchen Utensils and Ensure Cleaning and Ventilation"

A warning has been issued that black plastics found in delivery food containers or cooking utensils contain chemicals that cause cancer and disrupt hormones, so caution is needed.

Recently, The Washington Post (WP) cited research results announced by Toxic-Free Future, a U.S. environmental and health research organization, and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), reporting that flame retardants were detected in 17 out of 20 black household products. Flame retardants can cause cancer and hormone disruption, but they are used in household products to increase combustion resistance and slow down flame spread.

The research team revealed that high levels of carcinogens were detected in black plastic materials among household items such as sushi plates, bead necklaces, and kitchen utensils. Carcinogens were also found in travel games and toys.

[Image source=Pixabay]

Megan Liu, policy director at Toxic-Free Future and co-author of the study, stated, "We are exposed to flame retardants not only when we eat food but also because flame retardants can seep into indoor air." She added, "When plastic kitchen utensils are heated, these chemicals can enter the body through food."

Liu suggested ways to avoid flame retardants, including ▲replacing plastic kitchen utensils with wooden or stainless steel ones ▲choosing products without plastics to reduce exposure to harmful additives ▲purchasing products from companies that enforce strong policies against toxic chemicals. Additionally, Liu emphasized the importance of regular cleaning and ventilation to remove flame retardants accumulated in the air.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency warned that some flame retardants can affect thyroid problems, reproductive system complications, neurotoxicity, and cancer. In particular, children should be cautious as flame retardants may cause attention disorders, decreased motor skills, and delayed cognitive development.

However, the North American Flame Retardant Alliance of the American Chemistry Council pointed out to WP that "manufacturers conduct rigorous research and risk assessments to ensure flame retardants do not pose serious risks to consumers," but also noted that "the report claims risks of flame retardants but does not explain the actual potential exposure levels or the risks of exposure pathways," highlighting a limitation.