Zoë Schlanger, a staff writer at The Atlantic focused on science and the environment, discusses the dangers lurking in your kitchen. She warns against using black plastic spatulas and other plastic utensils, which may release harmful toxins into food. The conversation covers alternative materials like glass and wood, emphasizing their safety for cooking. Schlanger also highlights the risks of common kitchen items, including nonstick pans and gas stoves, urging listeners to reassess their kitchenware choices for a healthier holiday meal.
The use of black plastic kitchen utensils poses significant health risks due to the leaching of harmful flame retardants into food.
Switching to safer cooking materials like silicone, wood, or stainless steel can significantly reduce health hazards associated with common kitchen plastic items.
Deep dives
The Importance of Racial Healing
Racial healing involves recognizing and addressing the systemic inequalities and injustices faced by individuals and communities. It encourages open dialogues that help individuals understand their personal experiences and those of others, fostering empathy and awareness. The practice emphasizes the need for collective action to create a shared vision for racial equity, pushing towards a more inclusive and just society. By engaging in conversations centered around racial healing, everyone can contribute to a positive change in their communities.
Caution Against Plastic Kitchen Utensils
Using black plastic spatulas and other kitchen utensils poses health risks due to the potential leaching of harmful chemicals, particularly flame retardants from recycled electronic waste. These utensils are often made from materials that cannot be fully recycled, which increases the risk of toxic substances being present in food. The use of plastic in cooking leads to the release of microplastics and other harmful chemicals when subjected to heat, which can then migrate into food. Therefore, switching to alternative materials such as silicone, wood, or stainless steel is recommended for safer cooking practices.
Plastic Containers and Food Storage Risks
Plastic food storage containers are commonly used but can release harmful chemicals when in contact with fatty foods or exposed to heat. Many plastics, especially flexible ones, contain plasticizers like phthalates that can migrate into food, posing a health risk. Harder plastics are slightly safer but still not recommended for heating, as repeated cycles of heat and cold may worsen chemical leaching. Switching to glass or stainless steel containers for food storage is a safer alternative to minimize chemical exposure.
The Dangers of Nonstick Cookware
Nonstick cookware, particularly those coated with Teflon and similar substances, often contains PFAS chemicals that are linked to significant health issues. The use of nonstick pans can lead to the release of harmful fumes when overheated or scratched, potentially exposing individuals to toxic compounds. Alternatives like cast iron or stainless steel offer safer cooking options without the associated health risks of PFAS exposure. Therefore, individuals are encouraged to consider replacing nonstick cookware with safer materials to protect their health.
We warned you last month to “Throw Out Your Black Plastic Spatula.” In a recent study conducted about consumer products, researchers concluded kitchen utensils had some of the highest levels of flame retardants, which you do not want anywhere near your hot food. After the article was published, its author received reports, possibly exaggerated, of people in Burlington, Vermont, throwing their black plastic spatulas out en masse. You should too.
That article was just the appetizer. This episode of Radio Atlantic is the entire meal, coming to you in time for Thanksgiving. We talk to its author, staff writer Zoë Schlanger, about every other plastic thing in your kitchen: cutting boards, nonstick pans, plastic wrap, slow cookers, sippy cups. Read it before you cook. And prepare to hassle your plastic-loving hosts. Politely.
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