I’m an epidemiologist, and I’m still using my black plastic spatula. Here’s why

An article in the Atlantic titled “ Throw Out Your Black Plastic Spatula’s ” has found legs on social media, with wellness influencers telling people to get rid of their black plastic goods.

The reality is nuanced: Yes, there is a real problem that's been identified, but, on the level of the cookware in your kitchen, it's not that concerning.

The data about the levels of pollutants in these products shows that they are, in fact, quite safe.

Even in the more severe cases, many of these products fall under existing thresholds for risk, such as WHO tolerable daily intake or European Commission limits.

In some cases, the risk of serious contamination from these plastics is extremely low.

But personally, I'm still going to use my black plastic spatula.