‘Zombie facts’ live on after black plastic and other studies get corrected or retracted
A recent study published in the journal Chemosphere brought attention to the presence of brominated fire retardants (BFR) in black plastic household products, including kitchen items. This discovery sparked headlines warning people to throw out their black plastic kitchen utensils and social media posts cautioning of “secret toxins” in their kitchens.
However, a correction to the study was later issued due to a math error that resulted in a miscalculation of the risk associated with the presence of BFR in black plastic products. The error, although regrettable, does not impact the overall conclusion of the study, according to the authors. Megan Liu from the environmental group Toxic-Free Future, one of the study’s co-authors, emphasized that the study’s main finding is the potential transfer of toxic flame retardants from electronics to household products, where they are not expected.
The media coverage of the study often focused on individual actions, such as discarding black plastic spatulas, but Liu emphasized that the ultimate solution lies in increased regulation. Hazardous flame retardants are commonly used in black plastic products, such as television casings, and can contaminate other household items, including those that come into contact with food.
Errors in scientific studies are not uncommon and range from minor typos to significant miscalculations. The scientific process relies on peer review to correct such errors over time. However, corrections often receive less attention than the original findings, leading to the perpetuation of misinformation.
One notorious example of misinformation is Andrew Wakefield’s discredited study linking the MMR vaccine to autism. The study was retracted 12 years after publication, allowing the misinformation to influence public opinion. Prompt retractions are crucial to maintain public trust and ensure the integrity of scientific literature.
Ivan Oransky, co-founder of Retraction Watch, and Tim Caulfield, a professor at the University of Alberta, stress the importance of admitting honest mistakes in science and promoting humility. Media literacy and critical thinking skills are essential in combatting misinformation and understanding the complexities of scientific research.
Oransky and Caulfield recommend approaching scientific findings with skepticism, considering multiple studies, and acknowledging the uncertainties inherent in research. Despite the challenges, Oransky believes in the scientific method as the best way to uncover the truth and improve our understanding of the world.
In conclusion, the correction to the black plastics study serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in scientific research. By promoting humility, critical thinking, and media literacy, we can navigate the complex landscape of health and medical science news with greater clarity and understanding.
