A recent study found toxic flame retardants in black plastic products.
If you often order food online from platforms, you’ve likely received it in black plastic containers. Many people find it convenient to save and reuse these containers over and over again.
Recently, however, a debate has sparked online about whether these containers are safe to use at all. The concern stems from the fact that these containers are made from ‘black plastic’, a more prevalent material in our daily lives than you might realise.
The conversation gained traction after a viral Instagram video, where an influencer advised against using or reusing black plastic containers for storing or reheating food in a microwave.
What is actually black plastic?
- Black plastic is a type of plastic used to make everyday items like food trays, containers, and utensils. It’s often made from recycled materials, including old electronics, and contains chemicals to make it flame-resistant.
- These chemicals, like decaBDE, are not locked into the plastic and can sneak into your food, especially if it’s hot, fatty, or acidic.
- Imagine reheating leftovers in a black plastic container—the heat could trigger these chemicals to leach out, posing risks to your health.
That’s why experts recommend being cautious when using black plastic in your kitchen. But
Can black plastic give you cancer?
Experts also cautioned against the use of black plastic as much as possible. For instance, according to Dr Aravind Badiger, technical director at BDR Pharmaceuticals, black plastic utensils and containers are associated with cancer risks due to their content of toxic flame retardants. These chemicals are known to migrate into food, causing harm over time. “DecaBDE and similar compounds are ‘suspected carcinogens and endocrine disruptors’, which can interfere with hormonal systems and potentially lead to cancer,” he says.
Dr Sachin Trivedi, the director of medical oncology at HCG Cancer Center, agrees and adds that black plastic often contains substances like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which are linked to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and reproductive issues.
Prof Chintamani, chairman of the Department of Surgical Oncology, Sir Gangaram Hospital, further points out that microplastics from the black plastic often ingested through everyday items like tea bags and bottled water, add to the cumulative toxic load in the body.
However, all three experts that India Today spoke to shared that while there is no conclusive evidence linking black plastic to cancer, but they suggest that hormonal disruptions caused by plastic chemicals could contribute to cancer risks.
“While there isn’t definitive evidence directly linking black plastic to cancer, its chemical composition poses enough risks to warrant caution,” Dr Trivedi says.
Other side effects of black plastics
Endocrine disruption
Studies have shown that chemicals in black plastic, such as BPA and phthalates, disrupt the endocrine system, leading to potential reproductive health issues, obesity, and diabetes.
Developmental and neurological effects
Research indicates that exposure to certain additives in black plastic can result in developmental delays and reduced IQ in children, along with other neurological disorders.
Environmental impact
Dr Trivedi emphasises the environmental consequences of black plastic. It is difficult to recycle and often ends up in landfills or incinerators, releasing toxic substances like dioxins and furans into the air. These are known carcinogens and can harm human health when inhaled over time.
Microplastic contamination
Microplastics from black plastic find their way into food, water, and air, causing inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular damage in the human body. Their long-term health impacts are still under study but are a growing concern.
Should you not use black plastic?
Experts unanimously recommend avoiding black plastic for food storage and preparation. Dr Badiger advises using safer, free-from-harmful-chemicals materials like glass or stainless steel. Similarly, replacing black kitchen utensils with wooden or stainless-steel options can significantly reduce exposure to toxic substances.
Moreover, heating food in black plastic, whether in a microwave or otherwise, should be avoided. As Chintamani explains, heating can cause toxic chemicals to leach into food, posing health risks. If you’re just using it repeatedly for storing food, it could lead to long-term exposure to harmful substances, contributing to health risks over time.
So, always opt for microwave-safe containers made from safer materials, as mentioned above.
Bottomline
While the direct link between black plastics and cancer is still under research, the potential risks associated with their chemical composition and environmental impact are substantial. Opting for safer alternatives and avoiding heating food in black plastic are prudent steps to protect your health
Content Copyright By India Today
