Flame-retardant chemicals in these popular home products may quietly raise cancer risks
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“Black plastic kitchen utensils … can contain harmful flame retardants, which might leach into food, especially when exposed to heat.” — Pamela Tambini, MD, a double board-certified physician in internal medicine and addiction medicine
“Physicians, especially oncologists, should be aware [of black plastic and other chemicals] because it’s not just about treating cancer, but [also] understanding environmental causes that could prevent future cases.” — Nhan Nguyen, MD, a lawyer whose work focuses on PFAS awareness and litigation
The clinical journal Chemosphere recently reported in a study that flame-retardant (FR) chemicals—like those found in plastic household items like spatulas—can lead to all sorts of health problems.[] For example, FRs are associated with “carcinogenicity, endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, and reproductive and developmental toxicity,” the authors report.
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According to study co-author Megan Liu, “These cancer-causing chemicals shouldn’t be used to begin with, but with recycling, they are entering our environment and our homes in more ways than one. The high levels we found are concerning.”[] Parts from plastic electronic devices, like a TV’s casing, for example, are recycled and made into plastic spoons used to stir food. Experts say that patients need to be aware of these household items—and even take the opportunity to limit their exposure to them.
Experts warn against using these everyday household items
The worst offenders, the study found, were sushi trays, spatulas, and beaded necklaces. Society needs to be aware of these long-lasting chemicals, including those known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or forever chemicals, says Nhan Nguyen, MD, a lawyer whose work focuses on PFAS awareness and litigation.
But that’s not it. These chemicals are “present in everyday items like nonstick pans, stain-resistant fabrics, cleaning products, cosmetics, and even firefighting foam,” Dr. Nguyen continues. “These chemicals mimic fatty acids in our bodies, affecting hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. This leads to systemic health effects, including increased cancer risks.”
The issue goes beyond black plastic
Pamela Tambini, MD, a double board-certified physician in internal medicine and addiction medicine, adds that several mundane items contain all sorts of dangerous, long-lasting chemicals and compounds: “Nonstick cookware—especially older versions—can release perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical associated with cancer.” Plus, she says, things like air fresheners and scented candles contain volatile organic compounds that can irritate the respiratory system. But it’s even more insidious, Dr. Tambini notes: “Let’s not forget personal care items like lotions and shampoos, which might contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as phthalates and parabens.”
To avoid black plastic and other not-so-safe household items, patients have some options: “Glass food containers, stainless steel utensils, and fragrance-free personal care products [can] minimize exposure,” Dr. Tambini says.
She adds that the Chemosphere study offers a “stark reminder of how small oversights in manufacturing and recycling processes can lead to chemicals from electronic waste and other materials ending up in our kitchen utensils.” “Physicians, especially oncologists, should be aware [of black plastic and other chemicals] because it’s not just about treating cancer, but [also] understanding environmental causes that could prevent future cases,” Dr. Nguyen says.