A recent study by an environmental health advocacy group found toxic flame retardants in some household products made of black plastic, including kitchen utensils. The study suggested that the chemicals could pose a risk to human exposure, prompting people to replace their kitchen spatulas and spoons with safer alternatives.
However, after re-examining the data, editors at the journal Chemosphere have posted a correction stating that a math error in the original report made it seem like the levels of toxic flame retardants were nearly at safe limits. The error was found in calculating the reference dose for an adult weighing 60 kg, which led to an incorrect conclusion.
The corrected study still finds that flame retardants “significantly contaminate” plastic products and have a high exposure potential. However, this is now understood to be an order of magnitude lower than initially reported.
According to the study, only about 10% of the examined household products contained any bromine-containing compounds at levels that might indicate contamination from bromine-based flame retardants. In kitchen utensils, this percentage was around 8%. The highest level of bromine compounds was found in a disposable sushi tray.
The study’s findings highlight the need for companies to reconsider using toxic flame retardants in plastic electronics and for households to be aware of the potential risks associated with these chemicals. While the error may have been significant, it does not change the overall conclusion that household products can contain high levels of toxic contaminants.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/black-plastic-utensils-study-math-error-correction