“Morning Edition” reported on the health risks of flame retardants in black plastic kitchenware. The study cited has issued a correction. The risk is lower than initially reported.
STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:
We have additional information today about black plastic. We heard yesterday about a study in the journal Chemosphere conducted by a group called Toxic-Free Future. The study found signs of a flame retardant in black plastic and raised the possibility of it getting into your food if you use something like a black plastic spatula. That finding drew criticism from experts and its author acknowledged a math error. The study miscalculated when it found the flame retardant was close to a hazardous level for adults. The chemicals were actually found at less than one-tenth that level, so the risk to people would seem to be far lower than previously suggested.
(SOUNDBITE OF SOGNI, GULEUM, CLOUDORIS’ “CARRIED AWAY”)
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