If you are worried about black plastic containers and the potential health risks they pose, you are not alone. TikTok user Wendy’s (@wendymarie876) posted a viral clip showing cost-effective food storage alternatives to these tupperware.

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His video on the topic racked up more than 135,000 views and sparked a litany of different responses. But are black plastics really that bad? And if you want to err on the side of caution, what would be the best option?

Wendy begins her video by showing one of these black plastic food containers to the camera. “I just found out that this black plastic is made from recycled electronics,” he says. “And it’s one of the most toxic foods, one of the most toxic things you can put your food in.”

Your video then cuts to an image of glass molds. Wendy goes on to extol the benefits of using these containers to store food instead of the aforementioned plastic one.

“I have some of these that I’ve been using for 11 years. But they are very expensive,” Wendy says of the glass molds. “And I considered replacing the tupperware I have with glass. Plus, they were going to cost several hundred dollars.”

What are some alternatives?

Wendy finally discovered a compromise. In the third part of his video, his camera lens focuses on a jar containing some food.

“So I decided to use what I already had: canning jars,” he says.

He showed the canning jars in the video and highlighted them as a cost-effective solution. “And this is what it looks like to put my leftovers in mason jars.”

Wendy then proceeds to show some of the food in said jars: “That’s sourdough bread we toasted this morning. Those are leftover tater tots. Pickles. Sauce – you can put anything in your jars.”

He explores the inside of his refrigerator and reveals two shelves full of food stuffed into several glass jars. According to her, they are a very profitable solution.

“And they cost like a dollar or fifty cents each if you use them,” he concludes. “So let’s switch to jars.”

Are black plastic Tupperware really bad for you?

There are reports from various media outlets that have opened up about the potential harm caused by black plastics.

For example, CNN Health writes that many of these products are “linked to banned toxic flame retardants.” The article cited a report by Megan Liu of the environmental advocacy group Toxic-Free Future. Additionally, it says children’s toys, black takeout containers, kitchen utensils, and meat and produce trays contain these chemicals.

Flame retardant chemicals are polybrominated diphenyl ethers, also known as PBDEs. Another April 2024 report from the news outlet cited the dangers associated with PDBEs. cnn wrote that people with higher levels of PDBE in their bloodstream were 300% more likely to die from cancer.

Beyond plasticsan advocacy group with a mission to ban plastic use, also posted warnings against PBDEs. According to one of their online resources, black plastic Tupperware and other products are bad news.

“Black plastics are more likely to contain unregulated amounts of toxic chemicals. Including heavy metals and flame retardants that can leach into food and pose a danger to human health,” the site states. “In addition, black plastics are not recyclable due to their color.”

@wendymarie876 Replace toxic black plastic Tupperware food storage containers with glass: #EcoFriendly #SustainableLife #NonToxicCooking #glassstorage #HealthyHome #NoPlastic #GreenLife #ZeroWaste #EcoExchange #ToxinFree #ReducePlastic #SustainableCooking #HealthyChoices #EcoConscious #CleanLife ♬ Truth, Suspense, Shocking ending, Seriousness, (1414087) – SAKUMAMATATA

More studies on why black plastics are not good

Furthermore, in 2018 Plymouth University In the study, researchers wrote that an analysis of numerous black plastic products found that they contained dangerous levels of PBDEs. Vrije University Amsterdam He also published similar findings in a 2024 research paper of his own.

In addition to an increased risk of cancer, black plastics also pose other potential health risks. Beyond plastics writes that “these toxic chemicals can cause serious reproductive and developmental problems.”

What’s more, they can poison the brain and kidneys and disrupt human thyroid function. People exposed to PBDEs may have impaired development or long-term neurological damage.

Some TikTokers were not convinced

One person who responded to Wendy’s video claimed that she was intentionally spreading misinformation. “Actually… you blindly believed the latest propaganda that is being spread. Unless you burn that plastic and absorb it… it’s not a problem,” they wrote.

Another responded: “Who said? Who said girl? Hahaha, there is nowhere on the internet that says what you are saying. Prove me wrong, please.”

But then there were others who seemed to adopt similar food storage strategies as the TikToker.

“I started reusing old pickle jars and spaghetti sauce jars,” said one user.

Someone else recommended a cheaper glass tupperware that I might consider. “Go to the fantastic glass container from IKEA. I also use canning jars. “It’s great!” they suggested.

However, one person said there was a downside to buying glass containers to store food. “Last summer I bought some new glass lunch containers because they are a healthier option,” they said. “But to be honest, I can’t stand them because after a couple of containers, my lunch bag gets very heavy.”

The Daily Dot reached out to Wendy via comment on TikTok for more information.

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