The study, appearing in issue 365 of Chemopshere, suggests that flame-resistant cooking materials such as the ones used in black plastic spatulas, spoons and ladles could be releasing harmful chemicals into our food, while the nonflammable components of the appliances fight off the fire.
203 products were screened for bromine, with any containing more than 50ppm bromine having to be further analysed for brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and organophosphate flame retardants (OFRs). 85% of the analysed products contained these in some capacity, reaching concentration levels as high as 22,800mg/kg.
This included the detection of decaBDE (also referred to as BDE-209), an FR which had previously been used in electronic casings. The FR was banned by the EU from electronic products back in 2006 due to its potentially hazardous effects. But the plastics used in them have been recycled and incorporated into these kitchen utensils.
The estimated intake of BDE-209 from plastic utensils is believed to be higher than that of daily dust and dietary intakes. This suggests that the current recycling process is far from effective in ensuring consumer safety, as it is resulting in dangerous chemicals making their way into our utensils.
This is far from the first study to suggest the kitchenware we use poses a threat to our health. Toxic levels of bisphenol A (BPA) have been found in plastic food containers, which is confirmed to be harmful to our immune systems. Tricolsan has also been used in plastic chopping boards, which can have potentially detrimental effects on human reproductive health and organ function.