Toxic fire retardants found in recycled household products

USA/Netherlands: A new study published in the journal Chemosphere reveals that toxic brominated fire retardants (BFRs) are present in everyday household products made from recycled black plastics. These chemicals, commonly used to strengthen plastics in electronics, have found their way into kitchen utensils, food trays, and even children’s toys.

According to researchers from the US and Netherlands, approximately 85% of the tested products contained BFRs, including toxic compounds that are strictly regulated due to their potential health risks. The study raises concerns about the unintended consequences of recycling plastics originally used in electronic devices.

BFRs are typically used to reduce fire hazards in electronics, but when these plastics are recycled into consumer products, the chemicals remain in the new items. This process inadvertently transfers hazardous substances into objects that come into direct contact with people, including food-related products and children’s toys.

Health experts warn that exposure to BFRs can affect human health, especially in children. Prolonged exposure has been linked to developmental issues, hormone disruption, and even certain cancers. The discovery raises questions about the effectiveness of current recycling practices and the need for stricter regulations on recycled materials.

Advocates for safer recycling practices are calling for improved monitoring of recycled materials and better separation of plastics at the source. They argue that consumer safety should be prioritised when repurposing plastics originally intended for electronic devices.

This study highlights the hidden risks in everyday items, calling for a rethink of recycling processes to ensure hazardous chemicals are not carried over into new products. It also underscores the importance of stronger regulations and testing of recycled materials to protect public health.

-Agencies