Black-colored plastic used for kitchen utensils and toys

Flame-Retardant Electronic Devices

Most households in the U.S. have over 20 electronic devices—smartphones, TVs, laptops, game consoles—all of which use flame retardants to minimize fire hazards. These chemicals are also found in furniture, car seats, carpets, yoga mats, and other common items.

Over time, flame retardants can escape into the air and settle on surfaces, including food and water, which we then ingest.

Limitations of the Study

The study focused solely on black plastic, so it’s unclear whether plastics of other colors pose similar risks. Furthermore, the researchers didn’t disclose the brand names of the tested products.

While other countries have reported similar contamination, U.S.-specific research on food contact materials is still lacking. Other studies have shown that these chemicals can transfer into food or be ingested by children through mouthing their toys.

Bromine Levels

To gauge toxicity, researchers analyzed 203 black plastic items for bromine, a key marker of flame retardant presence. The 20 items with the highest bromine levels were examined in more detail.

Brominated flame retardants are highly toxic, and because they remain in the body for years, they’re a major concern. In 2018 alone, they were estimated to cost the U.S. healthcare system $159 billion. There is no known safe exposure level for these chemicals.