Scientists believe they're not, as these tools, as well as other products, have been found to contain alarming levels of toxic flame retardants, which can leak from electronics recycling. The same substances can be found in children's toys, making them potentially more dangerous.

Experts at the United Nations environment program say that these chemicals are added to plastics, textiles and other products to prevent or delay fire damage. Since 1970, when they were first introduced on the market commercially, industries used both organic and inorganic flame retardants, the former being split into three categories: bromine (Br), chlorine (Cl) and phosphate (P).

Many flame retardants used today are persistent pollutants, toxic chemicals that can pose a great danger for the environment, as well as our health.

The various shapes of flame retardants

While certain flame retardants have been banned throughout the years after they were found to be dangerous for the planet or for us, the general product category didn't cease to exist, but instead, it evolved. According to the Stockholm Convention, whenever a certain material is found to pose a threat to the ecosystems or to our health, it is banned commercially. But this doesn't stop manufacturers to find an alternative product that doesn't use the same exact material, but a substitute that might be just as dangerous, a phenomenon known as regrettable substitutions.

Flame retardants are found in a wide variety of products that are likely to enter in contact with fire, such as carpets, curtains, electric and electronic devices, as well as kitchen tools. They are also used in the automotive and building sectors for the same reasons. Just in 2017 alone, the entire planet produced around 2.25 million tons of flame retardants for various products, while the overall market value was estimated at 8.39 billion USD.

According to CNN, one product that contains flame retardants is the sushi tray, which was found to contain 11.900 parts per million of a flame retardants-class chemical called decabromodiphenyl ether, or decaBDE. People who indirectly consume large amounts of this chemical are 300% more likely to get cancer than those who consume smaller amounts.

Despite it being banned by US authorities in 2021, it was still found in 70% of the samples tested in amounts that exceed EU's limits by anywhere from 5 to 1.200 times.

Toxicologist Linda Birnbaum, former director of the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program said that "it was especially concerning that they found retardants that aren’t supposed to be used anymore. I would recommend not using black plastic for food contact materials or buying toys with black plastic pieces", she explained.

The dangerous effects of flame retardants

Flame retardants are dangerous for humans, as well as for the environment. Besides cancer, these chemicals have been linked to reproductive, developmental, behavioral and neurological adverse health effects. The fauna, flora, as well as the soil and its organisms have also been found to be severely affected by these chemicals, especially mammals.

This is because flame retardants have a high potential for bioaccumulation and biomagnification, as well as being easily carried over long distances and spread across the ecosystems. Inhalation and ingestion are some of the quickest and easiest ways these substances find their way into our bodies.

Electronic devices are also some of the popular products that make use of flame retardants as a way to prevent fires. Sofas and office chairs also manufactured with flame retardants, so these chemicals are very popular among products that are common in and around households.

Erich Shea, the director of product communications at the North American Flame Retardant Alliance, said that "the use of flame retardants in electronics and appliances has been instrumental in reducing fire-related injuries and fatalities and preventing the destruction of property. Recycling plastics from electronic waste is a critical component of a circular economy, helping to conserve resources and reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste."

How can consumers protect themselves from flame retardants

The first thing to do if you want to get rid of flame retardants from your household or to avoid purchasing products that contain these substances is to check the labels. The labels of children toys, of cooking gear, electronics, as well as other products that are likely to contain them.

Cleaning your home frequently also helps, especially dusting it off and vacuuming the floors, while washing your hands will prevent accidental ingestion or inhalation.

"Replace your plastic kitchen utensils with stainless steel options or choose plastic free items to help reduce your overall exposure to harmful additives and plastic", said Megan Liu, science and policy manager for Toxic-Free Future, an environmental advocacy group.

Also, avoid re-using single-use plastic food containers that might have come with food deliveries, as they are very likely to contain flame retardants. Instead, buy glass-made containers that can be reused and that are resistant to heat, as they are much safer for long-term use.

Experts say that, while we can't completely eliminate flame retardants from our lives, what we can do is ensure that we're exposed as little as possible to these chemicals.