Coffee lovers may want to take a second look at their kitchen appliances, as new research reveals that black plastic coffee machines could be exposing users to harmful chemicals linked to cancer and hormonal disorders.

Toxic Chemicals in Black Plastics

At the heart of the concern is carbon black, a pigment widely used in recycled black plastics to give appliances their sleek finish. Though visually appealing, carbon black contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) — a group of chemicals known for their carcinogenic properties. In 2020, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified carbon black as a possible human carcinogen.

These PAHs are especially dangerous because they are heat-resistant and lipophilic, meaning they dissolve in hot liquids — like your morning coffee — making them easier to ingest during daily use.

Flame Retardants Raise Further Red Flags

To comply with fire safety regulations, many manufacturers add brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) to coffee machine casings. While they may prevent fires, recent studies show that these chemicals come at a serious health cost.

A 2024 scientific study has linked these flame retardants to:

• Hormone disruption
• Increased risk of thyroid and breast cancers
• Developmental damage to the brain and nervous system
• Fertility issues, especially in women

Researchers noted that these toxins are particularly damaging to the female reproductive system, raising significant concerns for regular users.

Children Face Greater Vulnerability

Health experts, including those from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), emphasize that children are at higher risk. Whether through environmental exposure or mouthing plastic objects, children may absorb these chemicals more easily, affecting their hormonal and neurological development in the long term.

Expert Advice: How to Minimize Your Risk

To reduce potential exposure, health specialists recommend the following:

• Avoid black plastic coffee makers, especially those made from recycled materials
• Choose alternatives made from glass or stainless steel
• Opt for BPA-free appliances to minimize exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals
• Clean machines regularly to eliminate buildup of chemical residues
• Use filtered water to reduce chemical and mineral accumulation

By making mindful decisions, consumers can enjoy their coffee while minimizing hidden health hazards.

Final Thoughts

Your daily coffee ritual may come with risks you can’t see. With mounting evidence pointing to chemical leaching from black plastic coffee machines, health experts are urging consumers to move toward safer, chemical-free alternatives. The goal isn’t to give up coffee — it’s to brew smarter and protect your health in the process.