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If you often order groceries online from platforms, you probably received your groceries in a black plastic container. Many people find it useful to store and reuse these containers over and over again. However, there has been a lot of debate online lately about whether these containers are even safe to use. This concern arises from the fact that these containers are made of “black plastic.” These things are more common in our daily lives than you can imagine. The conversation gained momentum after a video was posted on Instagram in which an influencer advised people against using black plastic containers to store or reheat food in the microwave. Black plastic is a type of plastic used to make everyday items such as food trays, dishes and cutlery. They are often made from recycled materials such as old electronics and contain chemicals that make them fireproof. These chemicals, like DecaBDE, are not enclosed in plastic, so they can leach into your food, especially if it is hot, fatty or acidic.

Imagine reheating leftovers in a black plastic container. Heat can wash away these chemicals and pose a health risk. That's why experts advise caution when using black plastic in the kitchen. A recent study published in the journal Chemosphere analyzed 203 consumer products made from black plastic. 85 percent of these products contained toxic flame retardant chemicals. Experts also warned against using as much black plastic as possible. For example, black plastic containers and containers contain toxic flame retardants and have been linked to a risk of cancer. These chemicals are known to leach into food and cause damage over time. DecaBDE and similar compounds are suspected of being carcinogenic and endocrine disrupting and may disrupt the endocrine system and cause cancer. Black plastic often contains substances such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which are linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and reproductive problems.

Black plastic microplastics, often ingested through everyday items such as tea bags and bottled water, increase the cumulative toxic load in the body. Although there is no conclusive evidence that black plastic is directly linked to cancer, its chemical composition poses enough risks to warrant caution.

Other Side effects:

Endocrine Disruption: Studies have shown that chemicals in black plastic, such as BPA and phthalates, can disrupt the endocrine system and lead to reproductive health problems, obesity and possibly diabetes.

Developmental and neurological effects: Research shows that exposure to certain additives in black plastic can cause developmental delays, reduced IQ, and even other neurological disorders in children.

Environmental Impact: It is difficult to recycle and is often disposed of in landfills or incinerators, releasing toxic substances such as dioxins and fumes into the atmosphere. These are known to be carcinogenic and can be harmful if inhaled over a long period of time.

Microplastic Pollution: Black plastic microplastics enter food, water and air, causing inflammation, oxidative stress and cell damage in the human body. Their long-term health effects are still being studied, but there are growing concerns.

Experts unanimously recommend avoiding black plastic when storing and preparing food. We use materials such as glass and stainless steel, which are safer and free from harmful chemicals. Likewise, replacing black kitchen utensils with wooden or stainless steel utensils can significantly reduce exposure to toxic substances. Additionally, you should avoid heating food in black plastic, whether in the microwave or otherwise. Heating can leach toxic chemicals into food and pose a health risk. If they are only used frequently to store food, they can be exposed to pollutants over a longer period of time, which can lead to long-term health risks. Although the direct link between black plastic and cancer is still being studied, the potential risks associated with its chemical composition and environmental impact are significant. Choosing safer alternatives and reheating food in black plastic is a smart decision to protect your health.