Given these findings, consumers are encouraged to consider safer alternatives. Liu suggests replacing plastic kitchen utensils with stainless steel or other non-plastic materials, which can greatly reduce exposure to harmful additives. Regular dusting, vacuuming, frequent hand washing, and proper ventilation will also help in removing contaminated dust.
Additionally, experts advise against microwaving or heating food in black plastic containers, as heat can exacerbate the leaching of harmful chemicals. Instead, transferring food to glass or ceramic dishes is recommended.
“These results clearly demonstrate that flame retardant-containing electronics, such as the outer casings of large TVs, are being recycled into food storage containers and utensils,” said Heather Stapleton, environmental chemist and exposure scientist at Duke University. “While it’s critical to develop sustainable approaches to address our plastic waste stream, we should exercise caution to ensure we’re not contributing to additional exposures to these hazardous chemicals in recycled materials.”
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