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4mo ago

Math Error in Study on Black Plastic Utensils Reduces Perceived Health Risk

A correction to a widely reported study shows exposure to toxic flame retardants from black plastic utensils is far below the EPA's safety threshold.

Black plastic kitchen utensils. A December 2024 study in the journal Chemosphere incorrectly calculated the amount of potentially toxic flame retardants that could be present in some black plastic household products such as utensils and to-go food packaging. A correction noted the levels were actually lower than EPA daily limits.
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A viral study about black plastic kitchen utensils contained a mathematical error.
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Overview

  • The study originally claimed exposure to flame retardants from black plastic utensils was close to the EPA's safe limit but miscalculated the threshold by a factor of 10.
  • Corrected figures reveal that exposure levels are less than one-tenth of the EPA's reference dose for a 60-kilogram adult.
  • Despite the math error, researchers maintain their conclusion that toxic flame retardants contaminate some black plastic products and pose potential risks.
  • Only 10% of tested black plastic items, including utensils and toys, showed contamination, with fewer containing the specific flame retardant BDE-209.
  • Experts emphasize that while the risk is lower than initially reported, consumers should handle black plastic items carefully and consider alternatives like silicone or metal.