The simple arithmetic error that unnecessarily sent countless plastic spatulas into the trash over a toxic chemical scare came to light a few days ago as Joe Schwarcz, director of McGill University’s Office for Science and Society, sat reading a research paper in his office in the Otto Maass Chemistry building on Montreal’s Sherbrooke Street.

A study warned that people were being exposed to a toxic chemical from kitchen utensils. But the researchers misstated the safe daily limit{ai:summary}<p>A recent revelation by Joe Schwarcz from McGill University highlights a significant arithmetic error that led to the disposal of numerous plastic spatulas due to a false toxic chemical scare. This incident underscores the importance of accuracy in scientific research and its real-world implications. #science</p>

How a simple math error sparked a panic about black plastic kitchen utensils

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