Spatulas, whisks, our daily kitchen utensils could hide carcinogenic substances

To protect us from fires, some everyday products contain flame retardants. These components thus protect us from the risks of domestic accidents. However, more and more work is concerned about the impacts of these products on health. In fact, these products are considered carcinogens or endocrine disruptors.

Recently, in an investigation broadcast on France 5, journalists from the program Vert de rage highlighted the presence of these chemicals in large quantities in certain children’s toys or in kitchen utensils. The color of the items could be an indicator of the presence of these harmful products. Thus, according to researchers from Toxic-Free Future and the Institute for Life and the Environment at the Free University of Amsterdam, black plastic could contain too high levels of flame retardants. The latter would come from the recycling of plastics contained in electronic devices such as computers, televisions and remote controls.

Recycled kitchen utensils could therefore contain these flame retardants by mistake. At least one in ten black plastic utensils contain them. However, as the authors of the study point out in their summary, “Health concerns related to flame retardants include carcinogenicity, endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, and reproductive and developmental toxicity”. Cooking utensils come into contact with hot food, which would precipitate the release of toxic compounds into the contents of our plates.

To avoid any risk, it is possible to replace your plastic kitchen utensils with their wooden or stainless steel equivalent. Stainless steel is an inert material, without coating, which does not move, even when exposed to very high temperatures. Avoid wood that has been painted or treated.

Silicone should be handled with care: it is not always of very good quality and may therefore contain toxic substances. Reserve it for occasional uses.