Is your kitchen drawer full of plastic cooking utensils, which could harm you and your family? Toxic byproducts formed during the plastic manufacturing process and the ingredients of plastic can have harmful impacts on our health. Studies show that plastic utensils produce toxic byproducts when they come into contact with heat and release bits of plastic into our food.
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In September , the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment warned that components of plastic utensils can migrate into food and become poisonous to the body. Countless studies such as this highlight compelling reasons to ditch plastic cooking utensils and upgrade to more sustainable and healthy kitchen tools.
Plastic tools melt after regular cooking and leach microplastics into our food. The more you cook with them, the more plastic inevitably ends up in your food. Plastic tools also degrade quickly, meaning they're not sustainable or particularly hygienic.
Let's spill the dirty truth about why plastic kitchen tools could harm our health and planet!
You may have noticed that plastic utensils chip, crack, melt, and become brittle when regularly exposed to hot pots and pans, or even the dishwasher. When they break down into smaller particles, these plastic bits end up in your food—and eventually in your stomach.
Scientists have been warning us for years about the dangers of continuous exposure to plastic. Over time, exposure to high doses could lead to severe illnesses.The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) states that consuming as little as 90 micrograms of plastic from cooking utensils can pose significant health risks. When heated, plastic can release harmful byproducts called oligomers. These byproducts occur during the manufacturing process of plastic. The components of plastic are also toxic.
Black plastic utensils, a common sight in many households, are particularly hazardous. A University of Plymouth study revealed that these utensils, often made from electronic waste, contain flame retardants like bromine and heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury. These substances can harm the nervous and immune systems, kidneys, liver, and lungs. The colour of black plastics, derived from carbon black, is essentially a form of soot created by incomplete combustion of petroleum, coal, or vegetable matter. The study found toxic chemicals in 40 per cent of black plastic utensils, toys, thermoses, and cocktail stirrers, which tested up to 30 times above the level deemed safe.
Brominated flame retardants are also present in black plastic. These help make utensils heat-resistant and durable. Such additives also pose risks to our health. A study from the University of Birmingham () found that 34% of plastic kitchen utensils analysed contained measurable concentrations of Bfrs.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) states that carbon black contains many compounds, some of which have carcinogenic properties, like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This has led them to conclude that carbon black is "possibly carcinogenic to humans."
While you might think you're saving big by buying plastic, it will cost you more in the long run. Unlike metal tools, plastic utensils have a much shorter lifespan.
Selecting kitchen tools made from highly durable, non-porous materials like stainless steel or titanium are a much better investment. Metal kitchen tools also highly flexible and durable. They won't break down under high heat, or release toxic chemicals and are simple to maintain.
The vast majority of black plastic utensils can't be recycled. Their colour makes them invisible to the infrared technology used in recycling processes. Many black plastic products end up in landfills, incinerators, or even our waterways, impacting our environment.
Have you ever wondered why plastic products seem so flexible? Chemical additives called phthalates are what give plastic these properties. However, some of these additives come with serious health risks and are known endocrine disruptors. That means they can interfere with hormone systems and have been linked to asthma, developmental disabilities, obesity, and even breast cancer.
According to research published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society (), plastics contain many dangerous, endocrine-disrupting chemicals that leach and infect humans and the surrounding environment. They’ve also been linked to diabetes, reproductive disorders, and neurological impairments of developing foetuses and children.
While the long-term health implications of ingesting microplastics remain unclear, the results of a collaborative study between scientists at Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML), NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, SALT Lofoten, and the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) this year have been concerning. They show that plastic cookware is likely adding thousands of microplastics to the human diet each year. This highlights the need for collective action to address this issue and the importance of switching to healthy alternatives.
So now you know! As with all cookware, it is essential to consider production materials and how they may ultimately affect your well-being.
While plastic utensils might seem like an affordable alternative, they can be very costly for your health and the environment in the long run. These are just some critical reasons to eliminate your plastic kitchen tools. Considering the high potential for health problems and environmental hazards, replace your plastic kitchen utensils with better alternatives.
If you've been cooking with the freshest, organic ingredients and non-toxic Solidteknics pans, it's now time to take the next step. There's no excuse not to replace all your plastic kitchen utensils with solid cooking tools.
Check out our Australian-made stainless steel and titanium Kitchen Tools! They're non-toxic, easy to use, durable, and built to last centuries, making them a better option for your health and the planet.
German Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), , Polyamide Kitchen Utensils: Keep contact with hot food as brief as possible, https://mobil.bfr.bund.de/cm/349/polyamide-kitchen-utensils-keep-contact-with-hot-food-as-brief-as-possible.pdf
Journal of the Endocrine Society, , Chemicals Used in Plastic Materials: An Estimate of the Attributable Disease Burden and Costs in the United States, https://academic.oup.com/jes/article/8/2/bvad163/
Kuang, J , Brominated flame retardants in black plastic kitchen utensils: Concentrations and human exposure implications, University of Birmingham, Science Direct, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S
Turner, A, , Black plastics: Linear and circular economies, hazardous additives and marine pollution, University of Plymouth, Science Direct, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S?via%3Dihub
Plymouth Marine Laboratory, , New study shows plastic and non-stick cookware is likely adding thousands of microplastics into the human diet, https://www.pml.ac.uk/news/New-study-shows-plastic-and-non-stick-cookware-is#:~:text=Our%20results%20were%20concerning%20%2D%20showing,microplastic%20load%20in%20prepared%20food.
Schwarez, J , The Dark Side of Black Plastics, McGill University, https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/environment-did-you-know/dark-side-black-plastics
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit resilient plastic utensils.
Cole et al, Microplastic and PTFE contamination of food from cookware, Science Direct, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S
Beyond Plastics, Why Black Plastics are Bad News, https://www.beyondplastics.org/fact-sheets/black-plastic
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) - Summaries & Evaluations, , Carbon Black, https://inchem.org/documents/iarc/vol65/carbon.html
Using recycled plastic is often seen as a positive, but in the case of black plastic, it could be seriously harming our health, according to a new study. Recent research published in the journal Chemosphere has warned that products made with recycled black plastic, including children’s toys and cooking utensils, like spatulas and ladles, could contain toxic chemicals, including high levels of flame retardants. For that reason, many experts are now urging consumers to ditch the black plastic for good—especially in the kitchen.
Jump to the utensils
According to the new study, the reason some black plastic utensils might be toxic is because they’re often (but not always) made with recycled electronic waste. Initially, this seems like a good thing; we’re often told that recycling is a positive way of repurposing old resources. However, the issue with reusing black plastic from items like television sets and laptops is that these products are often covered in flame retardants, which are applied to many household items to reduce the risk of fire.
Flame retardants are efficient at helping to stop fires from spreading or, at they very least, slowing them down, but they are not safe for consumption. Many are carcinogenic and have been linked with neurotoxicity or reproductive issues, for example.
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When they’re used in cooking utensils, the heat can cause the chemicals in flame retardants to leach into the food. “Flame retardants aren’t actually bound to the plastic polymers that they’re added to, it’s an additive,” explained study author Megan Liu to the Los Angeles Times. “Heat can ease migration of chemicals out of products.”
This has led many experts to call for consumers to move away from the use of black plastic in the kitchen—not just in utensils, but also in items like takeaway trays, which are often used in the microwave or in the fridge for storage. “I would recommend not using black plastic for food contact materials or buying toys with black plastic pieces,” toxicologist Linda Birnbaum told CNN.
If you want to replace your black plastic with safer materials, you can find some of our go-to nontoxic kitchen utensil picks below.
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This kitchen utensil set from Aiuhi contains everything from tongs to a whisk to a spatula, and everything is made from natural teak wood. This type of wood is a type of hardwood, which means it is resilient and durable, and it looks good, too. It’s also naturally nonstick and relatively easy to clean (just make sure you don’t soak them for too long, as this may lead them to warp or split). “Easy to clean, look great, durable, what’s not to like?,” reads one Amazon review of the popular utensil set. Another reviewer praised its “quality, beauty, and versatility.”
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Berglander
Stainless steel is one of the most popular materials for kitchen pots and pans, and it works well in utensils, too. Again, it’s incredibly durable and can withstand a lot of repetitive use in the kitchen. It’s also hygienic, easy to clean, and long-lasting. Try it for yourself in this set from Berglander—it features a whopping 38 pieces, including slotted spoons, a pasta server, a ladle, a whisk, and much more.
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These sleek khaki utensils are made with BPA-free, food-grade silicone, which means they’re non-toxic and safe to use in the kitchen. Silicone utensils are also a more flexible option than other wooden or steel options, which helps scrape the side of bowls or jars or stir delicate dishes (like scrambled tofu or creamy sauces). Silicone is also durable and resilient, but just pay extra attention to cleaning, as this material can harbor stains in some cases. “I have purchased these twice, first in the grey and again in the khaki,” reads one positive Amazon review. “I love that they are silicone because they never scratch my pans, [don’t] melt like so many plastic ones do, and are practically non-stick.”
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Riveira
Similar to teak wood, bamboo is a classic, lightweight material option for your kitchen utensils. It’s also eco-friendly, resilient, comfortable to grip, and long-lasting, too. Put it to the test with this six-piece utensil set from Riveira, which is made with 100 percent organic, non-stick bamboo. The only downside is these utensils need to be hand-washed to keep their quality, so keep them out of the high heat of the dishwasher. “I have purchased other bamboo cooking utensils before as well as other wooden utensils. This product is by far the best,” says one Amazon reviewer of the Riveira set.
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Marco Almond
These golden cooking utensils from Marco Almond look sleek and sophisticated, but they’re not just stylish, they’re also robust and resilient, too. They’re made with non-reactive, non-toxic golden titanium and stainless steel, so you know they’re going to be long-lasting. Just take care when scrubbing so as not to blemish or scratch the titanium surface. “I’d say this product is worth the value,” reads one review. “The size is actually bigger than I expected. The color is very nice—it looks like it is worth more than it actually is.”
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If you’re looking to splurge on a good-quality, perfectly crafted, sleek, and polished set of kitchen utensils, then this set from Viking might be just what you’re looking for. Complete with spoons, a deep ladle, spatulas, and a pasta fork, the set is also durable and dishwasher safe. “Despite the high cost, it is something you will keep your entire life,” reads one review on the Viking website. Another adds: “I love the finish and workmanship.”
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This compact kit has everything you need for the perfect camp cookout, including stainless steel and silicone tongs, a spatula, and a ladle, each of which has its own pouch for neat and easy storage. It’s easy to transport, clean, and use, ticking all of the boxes for an evening in the great outdoors. “This is probably the best car camping kitchen kit I have ever had,” says one Amazon reviewer.
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Styled Settings
With all the benefits of stainless steel, like durability and sturdiness, but with the look of copper thanks to the coating, these utensils from Styled Settings will fit right in with your stylish, sophisticated kitchen aesthetic. “They’re beautiful, functional, and durable,” reads one Amazon review.
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If you cook with a wok regularly, you’ll likely benefit from specific utensils. This set from Yosukata, for example, includes a blue carbon steel ladle and spatula, which means they are incredibly durable and able to withstand high-heat cooking. They also have long handles to protect your hands from spatters when cooking, and they’re smooth and curved to allow easy access to the contour of your wok.
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