Can plastic kitchen utensils release aromatic amines?
Yes, some can. A 2026 study found 6 primary aromatic amines in tested plastic kitchen utensils, but the measured levels were low under the test conditions.
What's actually in it
Many spatulas, spoons, and turners are made from polyamide nylon, polypropylene, PTFE, polyethylene, or polystyrene. Some plastic kitchen tools can release primary aromatic amines, also called PAAs.
PAAs are not one single chemical. They are a group. Some PAAs are classified as carcinogenic by official groups such as IARC.
What the research says
A 2026 study in International Journal of Environmental Health Research tested 55 kitchen utensils sold in Turkey. The researchers used LC-MS/MS to look for 20 PAAs.
They found 6 PAAs in at least one sample. Aniline showed up most often, in 20 samples. The highest measured level was 0.057 mg/kg from a serving spoon. After a third migration test, no PAAs were detected.
The researchers said the detected levels suggested a limited potential health risk under the tested conditions. Still, PAAs in hot-cooking tools are worth avoiding when better materials are easy to use.
What to do at home
Use olive wood, bamboo, stainless steel, or silicone tools for hot pans and boiling pots. Replace scratched, old, or strong-smelling plastic utensils first.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Aromatic amine migration from commonly used kitchen utensils marketed inTurkey: detection and quantification using LC-MS/MS. | Int J Environ Health Res | 2026 |