The study published in Chemosphere raises critical concerns about the hidden health risks associated with flame retardants in recycled black plastics.
Key Issues with Recycled Black Plastics:
- Presence of Flame Retardants:
- Electronics and electrical products are commonly treated with Decabromodiphenyl Ether (DecaBDE) and similar chemicals to prevent fires.
- Despite bans, such as the EU’s 2006 ban on DecaBDE in electronics, these chemicals persist in recycled materials.
- Recycling Loophole:
- Plastics from old electronics, like TV casings, are often reused to produce black household items.
- These items are not thoroughly checked for harmful chemicals during recycling.
- Carbon Black Additive:
- Used to create the black color in plastics.
- Contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), some of which are carcinogenic.
- Classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”
Health Risks:
- From Flame Retardants:
- Cancer risk.
- Hormonal imbalances.
- Nerve damage.
- Reproductive harm.
- From Carbon Black:
- Exposure to carcinogenic PAHs can increase cancer risks.
Implications:
- Hidden Dangers in Everyday Items:
Black plastics made from recycled materials, such as kitchen utensils, containers, and furniture, may unknowingly expose users to harmful substances. - Policy and Regulatory Gaps:
Lack of stringent monitoring allows these toxic chemicals to persist in consumer products.
(Source: IE)
