Table 1
Examples of plastics that release toxicants upon burning.
| TYPE OF PLASTIC | COMMON FORMS | TOXICANTS RELEASED UPON BURNING | HEALTH EFFECTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyvinyl Chloride | Drainpipes, blister packs, children’s toys, bottles and jugs, etc. | Carbon monoxide, dioxins, chlorinated furans | Carcinogenic, birth defects, respiratory disorders, etc. |
| Polystyrene, styrene | Foam cups, meat trays, egg cartons, plastic forks and spoons, etc. | Styrene gas, acrolein, hydrogen cyanide | Carcinogenic, eye and mucous membrane damage, narcosis, death in high doses |
| Polyurethane | Wood finishes, sealants, adhesives, curtains, etc. | Carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, phosgene | Death in high doses |