"Carcinogens come out of the sushi container"...a black plastic watch

Provided by the Seoul Institute for Health and Environment

Foreign media reported that black plastic used in cooking utensils such as sushi packaging contain chemicals that cause cancer and disrupt hormones, so caution should be taken.

The Washington Post reported on the 5th (local time) that high levels of carcinogens were detected in black plastic used in sushi plates, kitchen utensils, and toys.

According to a study published by the U.S. environmental and health research group Toxic-Free Future and Amsterdam Free University (VU), 17 out of 20 black household items used in the experiment were found to contain flame retardants, which are cancer-causing and hormone-disrupting substances.

A flame retardant is a chemical that suppresses and alleviates combustion by adding or applying it to organic substances of plastic, which are easy to burn. It is used in exterior materials for electronics, including televisions, and it is also used in household products, raising concerns.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) explained that flame retardants can affect thyroid problems, reproductive organ complications, neurotoxicity and cancer, and can cause attention impairment, decreased motor skills and cognitive development in children.

Accordingly, since 2006, the European Union has legally restricted or banned the use of various flame retardants, and some states in the United States have also restricted the use of flame retardants.

However, the American Chemical Association's North American Federation of Fire Protection pointed out, "Manufacturers conduct strict research and risk assessments to ensure that flame retardants do not pose a serious risk to consumers," adding, "This report claims the risk of flame retardants, but there is a limitation in that it does not explain the actual potential level of exposure or the risk of pathways."

The research team introduced consumers to how to avoid flame retardants, saying, "There is a need for federal laws restricting the use of flame retardants." Methods include ▲ Replacing plastic kitchen utensils with wood or stainless steel (iron) ▲ Choosing plastic-free products ▲ Buying company products with strong policies on toxic chemicals ▲ Removing flame retardants in the air by cleaning and venting regularly and wiping.

Reporter Lee Yu Na from Digital News Team.