Chemical Characterization of Toxic Elements in Plastic Utensils: Key Insights and Health Impacts

ABSTRACT Toxic elements (arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury) are public health concerns and listed as priority pollutants for their severe toxic effects, especially in children, whose biological systems are developing. The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of toxic elements (As, Cd, Pb, and Hg) in plastic utensils using x‐ray fluorescence and specific migration tests. The utensils were cleaned with an Extran detergent and analyzed using a portable XRF analyzer. Specific migration tests were conducted using water and 3% acetic acid as food simulants under two test conditions: rapid (2 h at 40°C) and long (10 days at 25°C), followed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis. A total of 54 utensils were analyzed, revealing mean concentrations of Cd, Pb, As, and Hg of 20.9, 31.3, 10.4, and 14.45 mg kg −1 , respectively. Alarmingly, Cd, Hg, and Pb exceeded specific migration limits on the rapid tests by factors of 18.6, 34.5, and 5027, respectively, whereas Hg and Pb exceeded limits on the long tests by factors of 2 and 22, respectively. Statistical analyses confirmed significant associations between utensil type/color and element concentrations. The high levels of toxic elements found underscore the urgent need for coordinated action to protect health and ensure food and environmental safety.