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Try This – If you have THIS kitchen utensil, throw it out ASAP

Author

Dhru Purohit
December 20, 2024

If you walk into many kitchens in the US, you might see black plastic cooking utensils like spatulas. I know I definitely HAD one!


But my wife and I recently threw it straight into the trash after coming across some fascinating research, and you might want to consider the same. 

Keep reading to find out why…

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A study published a few months ago in the journal Chemosphere caused major concern around the usage of black plastic, especially when heated. Well, the question is, why is black plastic potentially dangerous? 

Two words: Flame retardants!

This study, which tested several types of black plastic items, found that kitchen utensils contained the highest amounts of flame retardants of all products tested.

It all comes down to a lack of regulation around recycled plastic. Even though the use of flame retardants in products has ceased over the last 20 years due to discoveries around their health hazards, there is still a lack of transparency and safety around items made from recycled electronic waste. 

What’s super scary is that of the over 200 products tested, some contained a highly carcinogenic flame retardant called decaBDE that was banned in 2021 by the Environmental Protection Agency for being detrimental to human health. 

Studies looking at the impacts of flame retardants like decaBDE have found that exposure can increase the risk of cancer, reproductive ailments, endocrine disorders (like thyroid disease), and neurodevelopmental problems. 

Utensils are specifically concerning because any black plastic exposed to heat poses a bigger risk since chemicals can leach into the food. The same concern can be applied to black plastic take-out containers that hold hot food for long periods of time.

While many experts claim that we don’t know the extent of the harm caused by black plastic, my vote is to be extra cautious, especially if you’re pregnant, plan to get pregnant, or have young children. 

Here are three simple ways to cut down or cut out your use of black plastic when it comes to consuming food and beverages. 

Number 1: Replace your black cooking utensils. I personally have made the switch to the following options:

  • Wood: specifically untreated and uncoated solid hardwoods like maple, beech, or bamboo

  • Stainless Steel: another good option for stainless steel pots and pans, but not ceramic pans because steel could scratch and damage them

  • What about silicone? I’ve seen mixed things about silicone. Dr. Yvonne Burkhart, a trusted low-tox expert, says silicone is not recommended with heat.

Number 2: If you’re going to order dinner to go, limit the amount of time your food sits in take-out containers. I know we can’t completely avoid takeout, but move your hot food into glass containers as soon as the food arrives. (Cooking at home is obviously the best choice.) 

Number 3: Bring your own coffee cup to coffee shops when possible. 

That’s it—three super-simple ways to protect you and your loved ones from a potentially very dangerous issue. 

Here’s to your health, 

Dhru Purohit