Do you have to throw your favorite coffee machine? Yes, according to science: manufacturers would use carcinogenic dyes in your device to bring them a beautiful black color. Dr. Gérald Kierzek, medical director of Doctisismo, alerts us to these risks.
A potentially carcinogenic compound
Known as “carbon black” or “black carbon”, said compound – present in many plastic products, including coffee machines – has been classified by CIR in the group “2B”. Indeed, it would contain toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (HAP) – considered as potential carcinogens for man (increased risk of cancers, especially lung).
The problem ? Despite these notable effects, carbon black is always very popular with manufacturers for its resistance to electric fires. It is thus used:
- As a reinforcement agent in rubber products (tires, hoses, cables, belts …);
- As a black pigment:
- In inks (printing, lithography, typography and photography);
- Paintings, lacquers, varnishes, coatings, plastics, fibers, ceramics and enamels;
- In the prevailing of leather;
- In the manufacture of dry batteries of dry batteries, electrodes, carbon brooms, electric conductors, armor against electromagnetic interference, rubber and conductible and antistatic plastic products, videodisques and video strips.
“”Companies continue to use toxic flame delayers in plastic electronic devices, which leads to unexpected and useless toxic exhibitions “, Confirms Megan Liu, co-author of a study published in 2024 in Chemosphere and Science and Political Manager at Toxic-Free. “These carcinogenic substances should not be used from the start, but with the trend of recycling, they enter our environment and our houses in multiple ways. The high levels that we have detected are particularly disturbing”, she alerts to the Daily Mail.
Thus, if your black plastic coffee machine is damaged or exposed prolonged to boiling water, multiple carcinogenic substances can be released when preparing your hot drink.
Note: The black carbon term is actually plural: there are several types, depending on the raw materials used, combustion and thermal decomposition conditions.
Carbon black: what risks for consumers?
Faced with this compound, Dr Gérald Kierzek is rather rational – even reassuring.
“The risk of consumer’s health remains minimal, provided you use a quality machine, well maintained, and consume coffee in moderation. The compounds incriminated are present in the trace state, well below the toxic thresholds in the vast majority of cases. However, caution is in order for large consumers and when using inexpensive or poorly maintained machines “, reports the medical director of True Medical.
As for “dangerous” compounds, they come “Either the transformation of coffee at high temperature, or the migration of machine materials, or packaging (capsules or pods)“warns the emergency doctor.
Among these substances, “We find furane, acrylamide, certain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (HAP), mineral oils (MOAH), as well as heavy metals such as aluminum, nickel, chrome or copper“Continues the medical expert.
Dr. Kierzek’s advice to avoid toxic compounds
It is necessary to adopt the right gestures! Starting now to:
- Check that the elements in contact with water and coffee “or in stainless steel, glass or certified plastic without bisphenol A (BPA), rather than low -end metal or unprotected aluminum “;
- Monitor the filtration system: “Paper filter machines retain certain unwanted compounds better than metal filter machines or direct percolation machines”;
- Redouble caution facing capsules and pods: “Prefer options compatible with compostable capsules, without aluminum, and find out about the non-toxicity of the packaging materials used “;
- Regularly maintain your machine: “Clean and describe frequently the machine: limestone, coffee residues and water stagnation promote the proliferation of mold (mycotoxins), bacteria, and the release of chemical by-products”;
- Use suitable cleaning products;
- Avoid aggressive chemical solutions “that can leave toxic residues “;
- Check the presence of “certifications“or”sanitary compliance“On your machine and its accessories.
“Please note: the roasting method and temperature influence the amount of furane and acrylamide formed. In general, limit consumption to three or four cups per day and vary the modes of preparation (filter, piston, espresso)”, advises Dr Gérald Kierzek.
And if despite these tips, you are still not reassured, here are some ideas of alternatives not risky for your health:
- Glass/stainless steel piston coffee maker;
- Italian coffee maker (MOKA) in stainless steel;
- Paper coffee filter + ceramic/stainless steel lamps.