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Are your black plastic cooking utensils and food containers safe to use? Given recent news about potential health risks, you might wonder if it’s time to toss them.

Toxic-Free Future, a research and advocacy group, tested black plastic items for toxic chemicals. In a study published in October 2024, researchers say everyday black plastic items contain flame retardants. The items they tested included black plastic cookware and take-out containers.

The authors have since issued a correction. A calculation error led them to overstate the risk of exposure to a flame retardant. The authors say the error doesn’t affect their safety concerns. Other experts say that there are still many unanswered questions about the risks.

So, should you replace your black plastic cookware? Here’s what to consider.

Why Did the Study Cause Concern About Black Plastic Cookware?

The study raised concerns because it revealed that some black plastic cookware contains harmful chemicals. This included decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE), a flame retardant the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned in 2021.

This is especially alarming for cooking utensils and containers used for hot food, oils, or liquids. Heating plastic can cause it to break down, releasing harmful substances into food.

Why Are Flame Retardants in Black Plastic Cookware?

Manufacturers use flame retardants in many plastic household items that aren’t for food use to prevent them from catching fire. This includes electronics, like computers and TVs, which are often made of dark plastic.

Studies linked some flame retardants to health problems, leading to their ban. Today, manufacturers use newer, safer versions.

The problem starts with recycling. First, the recycling process cannot destroy flame retardants. Therefore, harmful chemicals, like flame retardants, can end up in recycled plastic.

Second, recycling dark plastics is a complex process. Sorting different types of plastic is difficult, so some plastic that contains toxic chemicals can mix with plastic that doesn’t. When manufacturers make cookware from recycled plastic, toxic chemicals can enter your kitchen.

Many items, such as TVs and electronics, contain long-lasting chemicals. Thus, some companies still recycle products with banned chemicals.

How Do I Know if I Have Toxic Black Plastic Kitchen Utensils and Cookware?

Companies usually don’t label their products to indicate whether or not they contain recycled plastic. And you can’t tell just by looking at them. So, knowing whether they contain harmful chemicals is impossible.

Most likely, not all black plastic cookware has toxic chemicals. The study published in October tested common products for flame-retardant chemicals. Of 203 items, 17 had high levels of flame-retardant chemicals.

What Are the Risks of Using Black Plastic for Cooking?

Plastics can break down when exposed to high temperatures. This can cause chemicals sometimes found in black plastic to leak into your food or drinks.

This is more likely when cooking or heating food at high temperatures, especially with hot oils or acidic ingredients. Plastic can also break down when washed in hot water in the dishwasher.

Studies have shown that exposure to flame retardants may:

• Cause problems with the reproductive system.
• Disrupt the endocrine system.
• Increase the risk of cancer.
• Lead to developmental issues in children.

For example, researchers linked the banned flame retardant decaBDE to cancer and developmental issues in young children.

The more exposure you have to these chemicals, the higher your risk of problems.

Another concern is that some harmful chemicals, like flame retardants, can build up in our bodies over time. These chemicals accumulate faster than our bodies can break them down.

Scientists call this process bioaccumulation. Exposure to these chemicals can build up to dangerous levels. This increases the risk of health problems.

How Much Exposure to These Chemicals Is Unsafe?

We still don’t know what exposure level can lead to serious health issues.

Researchers have also yet to determine how much these chemicals transfer to food. One recent study tested plastic utensils with flame retardants in hot oil for 15 minutes. However, the effects of more common cooking situations remain unclear.

Why Is Black Plastic More Likely to Have Harmful Chemicals Than Other Colors?

Black plastic often contains recycled materials because its dark color hides flaws. However, recyclers find sorting dark plastics challenging, which makes the mixing of safer plastics with those containing toxins easier. This increases the chances that harmful chemicals will end up in new products made of black plastic.

Are Other Plastic Cookware Colors Safe?

Though black plastic raises the most concern, other plastics may pose risks, too. All plastics can contain chemicals that may leach into food. This is especially true when heating the plastics or exposing them to oil or acidic ingredients.

This is why avoiding heating or cooking food in plastic containers is best.

Is Black Silicone the Same as Black Plastic?

No, silicone is different from plastic. Bisphenol A (BPA)-free, food-safe silicone is a safer option. Unlike plastic, silicone can withstand higher temperatures and doesn’t break down as easily, making chemicals or additives less likely to leak into food.

So, Is My Black Plastic Cookware Safe?

With lingering questions about black plastic, experts disagree on its safety for cooking and say it’s difficult to avoid exposure altogether.

They encourage you to proceed with caution when cooking or heating food with plastic, especially black plastic. Recommendations for this include the following:

• Buy nonplastic cookware and utensils when possible.
• Don’t leave a black plastic spoon or utensil in a hot pot or pan for long periods.
• Don’t microwave or heat food in plastic containers.
• Throw away any scratched, chipped, or damaged black plastic cookware.

What Type of Cookware Is Safer Than Plastic?

When buying new cookware, read the labels to determine its material. This is especially important for pots, pans, utensils, and containers used to cook or heat food.

When possible, opt for items made from:

• BPA-free, food-safe silicone.
• Ceramic.
• Stainless steel.
• Wood.