Plastic Burning Health Effects

When plastics are burned, they release toxic gases and particulate matter, posing serious
health risks.

Toxic Emissions from Plastic Burning

1. Polyethylene (PE):
PE burning releases:
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes
• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
• Carbon monoxide (CO)
• Particulate Matter (PM)
Reaction: PE + O2 → CO + VOCs + PAHs + PM
1. Polypropylene (PP):
PP burning releases:
• VOCs: alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes
• PAHs
• CO
• PM
• Formaldehyde (HCHO)
Reaction: PP + O2 → CO + VOCs + PAHs + PM + HCHO

1. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC):
PVC burning releases:
• Hydrogen chloride (HCl)
• Chlorinated VOCs (e.g., chlorobenzene)
• PAHs
• CO

• PM
• Dioxins and furans (highly toxic)
Reaction: PVC + O2 → HCl + Cl-VOCs + PAHs + CO + PM + dioxins/furans
1. Polystyrene (PS):
PS burning releases:
• Styrene (a known carcinogen)
• VOCs: alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes
• PAHs
• CO
• PM
Reaction: PS + O2 → styrene + VOCs + PAHs + CO + PM
1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET):
PET burning releases:
• VOCs: alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes
• PAHs
• CO
• PM
• Antimony trioxide (possible carcinogen)
Reaction: PET + O2 → CO + VOCs + PAHs + PM + Sb2O3

Health Risks Associated with Plastic Burning

1. Cardio-Respiratory Diseases: Increased incidence due to particulate matter, VOCs, and PAHs.
2. Cancer: Linked to PAHs, VOCs, and dioxins/furans.
3. Ophthalmopathy: Eye irritation and damage from VOCs and particulate matter.
4. Neurological Effects: Cognitive impairment, anxiety, and mental health issues from VOCs and
PAHs.
5. Reproductive Issues: Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (e.g., dioxins, furans).

Systemic Effects

1. Respiratory System: Particulate matter, VOCs, and PAHs damage lungs and airways.
2. Nervous System: VOCs and PAHs affect cognitive function, mood, and behavior.
3. Cardiovascular System: Particulate matter increases cardiovascular disease risk.
4. Gastrointestinal System: VOCs and PAHs irritate digestive tract.
5. Dermatological Effects: Skin irritation and damage from VOCs and particulate matter.

References

• National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). (2020). Plastic pollution and health.
• World Health Organization (WHO). (2018). Air pollution.
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2020). Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs).
• International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). (2019). Plastic chemicals and cancer.

Here’s an elaboration on dioxins, furans, and antimony trioxide as possible carcinogens and
hormonal disrupters:

Dioxins

1. Formation: Dioxins are formed during incomplete combustion of organic materials, especially
plastics.
2. Chemical Structure: Polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans
(PCDFs).
3. Carcinogenicity: Classified as human carcinogens (Group 1) by IARC.
4. Mechanism: Bind to AhR receptor, disrupting gene expression, cell growth, and differentiation.
5. Health Effects:
– Cancer (lung, liver, kidney)
– Reproductive issues (birth defects, infertility)
– Immunological problems
– Neurological damage
6. Persistence: Dioxins persist in environment, bioaccumulating in food chains.

Furans

1. Formation: Furans are formed during incomplete combustion of organic materials.
2. Chemical Structure: PCDFs.
3. Carcinogenicity: Classified as human carcinogens (Group 1) by IARC.
4. Mechanism: Similar to dioxins, binding to AhR receptor.
5. Health Effects:
– Cancer (lung, liver, kidney)
– Neurological damage
– Reproductive issues
– Immunological problems
6. Persistence: Furans persist in environment, bioaccumulating in food chains.

Antimony Trioxide

1. Use: Flame retardant in plastics, textiles, and electronics.
2. Chemical Structure: Sb2O3.
3. Carcinogenicity: Classified as possible human carcinogen (Group 2B) by IARC.
4. Mechanism: May induce oxidative stress, DNA damage, and disrupt cell growth.
5. Health Effects:
– Cancer (lung, liver)
– Respiratory problems
– Cardiac issues
– Neurological damage
6. Persistence: Antimony trioxide persists in environment, accumulating in soil and water.

Hormonal Disruption

1. Dioxins and furans: Mimic or interfere with estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormones.
2. Antimony trioxide: May disrupt thyroid hormone regulation.
3. Effects:
– Reproductive issues
– Developmental problems
– Metabolic disorders
– Neurological damage

References

• International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). (2019). Dioxins and furans.
• National Toxicology Program (NTP). (2020). Antimony trioxide.
• World Health Organization (WHO). (2018). Dioxins and furans.
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2020). Antimony trioxide.
• European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). (2020). Dioxins and furans.