A study has revealed disturbing levels of toxic flame retardants in a range of household plastic items sold in the United States, highlighting the dangers of recycled plastic in everyday products. The peer-reviewed research, published in Chemosphere, identified hazardous chemicals in common items such as kitchen utensils, food containers, and toys, revealing the unintended consequences of recycling plastics that were originally used in electronics.
The study, led by scientists from Toxic-Free Future and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, is the first to report the presence of these harmful chemicals in black plastic food-contact items. Among the highest levels of contamination found were in a sushi tray, spatula, and beaded necklace, all of which contained dangerously high concentrations of flame retardant chemicals, including deca-BDE, a banned substance.
“These cancer-causing chemicals shouldn’t be used in the first place, but with plastic recycling, they are entering our homes and our environment in increasingly widespread ways,” explained Megan Liu, science and policy manager at Toxic-Free Future. “The levels we found are concerning, especially given the health risks they pose to vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women.”
Flame retardants are chemicals commonly used in plastics to reduce flammability, but they come with a host of health risks, including cancer, hormone disruption, and developmental toxicity. The study highlights the unintended consequences of recycling electronics, such as televisions, which often contain high levels of these toxic chemicals. When recycled, these plastics are often repurposed into household items that do not require flame retardancy, resulting in dangerous exposure to chemicals that pose significant health risks.
The study’s findings are particularly alarming, with flame retardants detected in 85% of the products tested. In some cases, chemical concentrations were found to be up to 22,800 parts per million (ppm), significantly higher than legal limits in regions like the European Union. These chemicals have also been found in breast milk, further underlining the widespread exposure to these toxins.
The research raises important concerns as the U.S. prepares to enter negotiations for the Global Plastics Treaty in November 2024. Toxic-Free Future is urging the U.S. government and states to take immediate action by banning toxic chemicals in plastics and reducing the use of the most hazardous plastics, including PVC and polystyrene, through both state-level policy and international agreements.
“The solutions are clear,” Ms Liu said. “The health of women and children must take precedence over the chemical industry’s profits. We need to eliminate toxic plastics and ensure that recycled materials are safe for use in everyday products.”
In response to the findings, Toxic-Free Future has launched a petition calling for stronger policies to address toxic chemicals in plastics, including a ban on hazardous additives in recycled materials. The organisation is also advocating for policies that will hold retailers accountable, urging them to test products made from recycled plastics to ensure they are free of harmful chemicals.
“Major retailers must ensure that the products they sell—whether it’s children’s toys, kitchen utensils, or household items—are not introducing banned, cancer-causing chemicals into our homes,” said Mike Schade, Director of Mind the Store at Toxic-Free Future. “As the demand for recycled materials grows, retailers must require suppliers to test for toxic chemicals to ensure that these recycled plastics are safe.”
As the plastic recycling industry grows and more recycled materials make their way into consumer products, the need for stricter regulations and oversight has never been clearer. This latest study is a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in everyday items and the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to reducing toxic exposures from plastics.
