Ammon News - Black plastic cookware has become a staple in many kitchens — but it might be harmful.

A new study found that some of the items contain high levels of cancer-causing, hormone-disrupting flame retardants, according to a press release.

The peer-reviewed study by researchers at Toxic-Free Future and the Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment at Vrije Universiteit tested 203 household products made of black plastic — and 85% of them had high retardant concentrations. It was published in the journal Chemosphere.

Megan Liu, study co-author and science and policy manager at Toxic-Free Future, explained that the retardants are the same ones found in electronics, such as TVs, cell phones or computers.

This is particular to black plastic items — not those of other colors — because recycled electronic components that use flame retardants tend to be black.

“These cancer-causing chemicals shouldn’t be used to begin with, but with recycling, they are entering our environment and our homes in more ways than one,” Liu said. “The high levels we found are concerning.”

The study noted that recycling of plastics used in electronics can eventually lead to reusing them in household items that don’t require flame retardancy, ultimately resulting in “high and unnecessary exposures” that can be dangerous — especially to children and women of childbearing age.

NYP