Problem With Black Kitchen Utensils

Media reports that black plastic kitchen utensils contain dangerous levels of a flame retardant - decabromodiphenyl ether or decaBDE caused people across the U.S. to throw out their perfectly good kitchen utensils. What caused this scare, and how did bad science contribute to it? This issue is much broader than bad science; it concerns balancing minimal risks from chemicals with the much.

A recent study found black plastic kitchen tools had high levels of toxins. Many black plastic kitchen items are made from recycled electronic materials that contain toxic flame retardants and other chemicals. Keep reading to find out exactly what the reported dangers of black plastic are, what alternative materials may be safer and to get a few cooking utensil recommendations.

Currently, we recommend getting rid of any kitchen utensil made from recycled black plastic. If your kitchen utensil is made from virgin (new) black plastic, however, it might still be fine to use since new plastic is unlikely to have the contaminants associated with recycled products. A recent study found high levels of flame retardants in everyday black plastic cooking utensils, food storage containers, and more.

It's probably a good idea to ditch your black plastic utensils, since they may expose you to harmful chemicals. Here's what to use instead. Final Thoughts In conclusion, black kitchen utensils can be safe and effective if they are made from high-quality materials, such as food.

A new study details everything about the potential link between black plastic kitchen utensils and flame retardants. Why You Should Toss Your Black Plastic Kitchen Utensils ASAP A new study finds flame retardants and other toxic chemicals in common kitchen and household items that contain black plastic.