Arithmetic Error in Toxic Chemicals Study Alters Public Perception
Embarrassing Math Error 'Scared the Pants Off People' Over Toxic Black Kitchenware 🔗
A significant error in a recent study about toxic chemicals in black kitchenware has caused widespread concern, leading many to discard their items. The study claimed that black plastic utensils released dangerous levels of Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209), a toxic fire-resistant chemical. However, a Canadian chemist discovered a major arithmetic mistake in the calculations regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) reference dose for BDE-209. The original study suggested exposure levels that were alarmingly close to the EPA's safety limit, but the corrected figures reveal that the actual exposure is much lower—less than 10% of the reference dose. Despite the error, researchers maintain that the presence of flame retardants in black kitchenware is still a concern.
What was the main issue with the study on black kitchenware?
The study contained a major arithmetic mistake in calculating the exposure levels of a toxic chemical, which significantly altered the implications of their findings.
How did the mistake affect public perception?
Many people were alarmed by the study and discarded their black kitchenware, believing it posed serious health risks due to the reported toxic chemical levels.
Do researchers still consider the presence of flame retardants a concern?
Yes, despite the arithmetic error, researchers maintain that the levels of flame retardants found in black plastic kitchenware are still of high concern.