A recent study in the journal Chemosphere found that common household items made from recycled black plastic, such as food containers, kitchen utensils, and children’s toys, contain dangerously high levels of toxic flame retardants. This raises serious health concerns about cancer and other negative effects.
Results Of The Chemosphere Study
Toxic flame retardants were found in 85% of the 203 consumer products assessed by the ground-breaking study. The finding that certain black plastic sushi trays contained 11,900 parts per million of decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE), a substance that is strongly linked to an elevated risk of cancer, was very concerning. Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) were found to be the two primary forms of flame retardants. Compared to other materials like nylon and polypropylene, the study discovered noticeably greater quantities of these harmful compounds in styrene-based polymers, which are commonly used in electronics.
Contamination Of Electronic Waste
Inappropriate recycling of electronic debris, especially television casings and other electronic equipment, is the main cause of harmful flame retardant contamination of home objects. These devices’ flame retardants unintentionally contaminate new items that don’t need to be flame resistant, such kitchenware, food storage containers, and kid’s toys, when they are recycled. Unexpected and needless hazardous exposures in commonplace objects result from this recycling process. This problem is made worse by a lack of transparency and lax regulations on the use of flame retardants in electronics, which permit dangerous chemicals to continue to exist in the plastic waste stream and eventually find their way into household goods.
Hazards To Health From Flame Retardants
There are significant health hazards associated with exposure to flame retardants, which are included in black plastic products. These risks include neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, carcinogenicity, and toxicity to the reproductive and developing systems. These substances have the potential to contaminate food and increase human exposure by leaking out of the plastic to which they are put. These pollutants’ negative health effects have a substantial financial impact; in the United States alone, associated medical expenses in 2018 reached $249 billion. The discovery of 2,4,6-tribromophenol (2,4,6-TBP), a molecule linked to TBPP-TAZ, in breast milk is especially alarming as it raises questions regarding its possible effects on human health and the risks to infants.
Regulation And Industry Reaction
Erich Shea, director of product relations for the North American Flame Retardant Alliance (NAFRA), has defended the use of these chemicals, saying that they have been “instrumental in reducing fire-related injuries and fatalities.” This position, however, stands in stark contrast to the mounting data showing these chemicals’ detrimental effects on health.
The following regulatory measures have been implemented in response to the concerning findings:
All organohalogen flame retardants in plastic enclosures for indoor electronics are restricted by Washington state’s strictest prohibition in the US, which will go into effect in January 2025.
Through organizations like the Global Plastics Treaty, researchers and environmental advocates are advocating for a ban on harmful flame retardants in all plastic items, from food packaging to electronics.
Toxins in plastics and improved recycling regulations are being pushed for in order to keep these dangerous substances from contaminating home goods.
In spite of these initiatives, it is still difficult to manage the intricacies of plastic recycling in a circular economy while striking a balance between chemical and fire safety.