Do black plastic containers used in food delivery cause cancer?
A recent study found toxic flame retardants in black plastic products.
in short
- A viral video has sparked debate on the safety of using black plastic
- Black plastic is used to make food delivery containers, spatulas and other cutlery.
- Experts also recommend avoiding the use of black plastic
If you often order food online from the platform, you might have received it in a black plastic container. Many people find it convenient to save these containers and reuse them again and again.
However, recently, there has been debate online as to whether these containers are safe for use at all. The concern arises from the fact that these containers are made of ‘black plastic’, a material that is more prevalent in our daily lives than you might imagine.
The conversation gained momentum after a viral Instagram video, where an influencer advised against using or reusing black plastic containers to store or reheat food in the microwave.
Take a look at the video:
What exactly is black plastic?
- Black plastic is a type of plastic used to make everyday items like food trays, containers and utensils. It is often made from recycled materials, including old electronics, and contains chemicals to make it flame-resistant.
- These chemicals, such as decaBDE, are not locked in plastic and can leach into your food, especially if it is hot, fatty, or acidic.
- Imagine reheating leftovers in a black plastic container – heat can release these chemicals, which can pose a threat to your health.
That’s why experts recommend being cautious when using black plastic in your kitchen. But
Can black plastic give you cancer?
A recent study published in the scientific journal Chemosphere analyzed 203 black plastic consumer products. Toxic fire retardant chemicals were found in 85 percent of these products.
Experts also cautioned against using black plastic as much as possible. For example, according to Dr. Arvind Budiger, Technical Director, BDR Pharmaceuticals, black plastic utensils and containers pose a cancer risk due to the content of toxic flame retardants. These chemicals are known to leach into food and cause harm over time. “DecaBDE and similar compounds are ‘suspected carcinogens and endocrine disruptors,’ which can interfere with hormonal systems and potentially cause cancer,” he says.
Dr. Sachin Trivedi, director of medical oncology at HCG Cancer Center, agrees and says black plastic often contains substances like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which are linked to heart diseases, diabetes and reproductive problems.
Professor Chintamani, Chairman, Department of Surgical Oncology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, further explains that black plastic microplastics often get accumulated in the body through everyday objects like tea bags and bottled water, increasing the cumulative toxic load in the body.
However, all three experts say that India Today When we spoke to , he shared that although there is no conclusive evidence linking black plastic to cancer, it suggests that hormonal disruptions caused by plastic chemicals may contribute to cancer risks.
“Although there is no definitive evidence directly linking black plastic to cancer, its chemical composition poses enough of a risk to warrant caution,” says Dr. Trivedi.
Other side effects of black plastic
endocrine disruptor
Studies have shown that chemicals in black plastic, such as BPA and phthalates, disrupt the endocrine system, potentially leading to reproductive health problems, obesity, and diabetes.
Developmental and Neurological Effects
Research shows that exposure to certain additives in black plastic can cause delayed growth and other neurological disorders as well as reduced IQ in children.
environmental impact
Dr Trivedi emphasizes on the environmental consequences of black plastic. It is difficult to recycle and often ends up in landfills or incinerators, releasing toxic substances like dioxins and furans into the air. These are known carcinogens and can harm human health if inhaled into the body over time.
microplastic contamination
Microplastics released from black plastic find their way into food, water and air, causing inflammation, oxidative stress and cellular damage in the human body. Their long-term health effects are still being studied but are a growing concern.
Shouldn’t you use black plastic?
Experts unanimously recommend avoiding black plastic for food storage and preparation. Dr. Badiger recommends using safe, harmful-chemicals-free materials like glass or stainless steel. Similarly, replacing black kitchen utensils with wood or stainless-steel alternatives can significantly reduce exposure to toxins.
Additionally, heating food in black plastic should be avoided, whether in the microwave or anywhere else. As Chintamani points out, heating can leach toxic chemicals into the food, posing health risks. If you’re using it frequently just for storing food, it could lead to prolonged exposure to harmful substances, which contributes to health risks over time.
Therefore, as mentioned above, always choose microwave-safe containers made from safe materials.
ground level
While the direct link between black plastics and cancer is still under research, the potential dangers associated with their chemical composition and environmental impact are substantial. Choosing safer alternatives and avoiding heating food in black plastic are prudent steps to protect your health.