UPDATE @ 1:15 p.m. (Dec. 18):
Scientists have issued a correction on this study.
Researchers behind the viral study on potential toxins in common black kitchen utensils admitted they made a glaring error in their report this week.
The study’s authors issued this correction.
In it, they said a typo led them to overstate the threat level caused by flame retardant chemicals.
The study suggested the exposure limit for an average adult is 42,000 nanograms per day, when in fact it is 420,000 nanograms.
However the study’s author said “this calculation error does not affect the overall conclusion of the paper.”
PREVIOUS REPORT (Nov. 27):
A warning from experts this Thanksgiving: throw your black-colored plastic kitchen utensils and cookware out.
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A new study has identified flame retardants, which are commonly used in electronic devices, in many household basics where they shouldn’t be, as reported by our sister station KIRO-TV. These materials can be toxic to your health and can lead to serious health issues.
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The study theorizes the materials end up in new, black-colored plastic materials after electronic devices are recycled.
“They’re associated with cancer, endocrine disruption, neurological effects, and reproductive and developmental harm, yet they’re still allowed to be used in electronics in most states,” said Seattle-based study author Megan Liu.
Flame retardants were discovered in black-colored plastic utensils, like spatulas, and takeout boxes, as well as in children’s toys.
In some cases, researchers discovered banned chemicals that had been phased out in the United States on new household items.
“It’s so scary to think that chemicals that have been banned are still perpetuating throughout the environment,” Liu said.
While some states, including Washington, have passed stricter regulations on flame retardants, Liu said broader regulations will be necessary to keep household items safe.
“Unfortunately, there’s no good solution to this issue,” she said. “We can’t have a good solution until these harmful chemicals are actually restricted, because as long as they’re allowed to be used, then we’re seeing this issue like the one that we studied.”
You can read the full study here.
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