Black Plastic | 26 Feb 2025

Source: IE 

Black Plastic, widely used in kitchenware and containers, faces scrutiny over potential health risks, raising concerns about its safety. 

• About: Black plastic is often made from recycled electronic waste. Its black color comes from a substance called Black Carbon (short-lived pollutant, significant contributor to warming). 
• Composition: Its composition may contain toxic substances such as brominated flame retardants, antimony, lead, cadmium, and mercury.  
  • These heavy metals are toxic at high exposure levels and banned in many countries. The flame-retardant decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) in black plastic poses potential health risks. 
  • Despite bans on certain chemicals, legacy plastics (cannot be reused or recycled) with harmful elements continue to enter the recycling chain. 
• Concerns: While exposure through kitchen utensils is lower, concerns about cumulative chemical exposure remain.