These widely used kitchen utensils contain a dangerous component, it is best to avoid using them

Present in many kitchens, these utensils may contain a component harmful to the health.

Ladles, spoons and spatulas, these utensils are present in all kitchens. They are essential for preparing meals. However, some of them could be dangerous for health, according to a study published in the journal Chemosphere. A finding that recalls the recommendations concerning Teflon pans, which can contain PFAS, also bad for health.

These kitchen essentials could, for their part, contain flame retardants. These synthetic substances help slow down the start of a fire. However, they have no place in such utensils and are even not recommended for domestic use. They would, in fact, come from the recycling of plastics from electronic devices.

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However, these are toxic to health, the authors of the study point out: “Health problems associated with flame retardants include carcinogenicity, endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, and reproductive and developmental toxicity.” Contact between utensils and hot food will also accelerate the release of such chemical compounds. The researchers estimated that that a person could thus be exposed on average to 34,700 nanograms of these substances daily with these kitchen utensils, i.e. a greater absorption than that via dust or food.

The utensils concerned are those made of black plastic, often chosen for their cheap appearance and to avoid damaging the pans. According to the study, at least one in ten black plastic utensils contains these retardants. The highest levels were found in a Kitchenaid spatula.

“Previous studies have been conducted in other countries where the same problem of black plastic contaminated with flame retardants has been observed, as well as studies showing that flame retardants can leach from cookware into food,” said the study's lead author, Megan Liu, reports CNN.

How to protect yourself? It seems best to opt for wooden or stainless steel utensils. Stainless steel has the ability to not to move, even when exposed to heat. During the study, flame retardants were found in other everyday products such as toys, hairbrushes and food containers.