“Polymer” is not a chemical, but rather a term
for a very large covalent molecule made up of many repeating units. Human body
also contains many natural polymers; starch, proteins and DNA.
A vast majority of polymers are safe, and even
most artificial polymers, such as polyethylene (one of the simplest) is safe.
Most polymers are stable so the main problem is there is nothing on earth to break them
down again when thrown away, causing problems with disposal of polymer
materials.
Polyethylene and polyproplyne are not biodegradable. This means that
micro-organisms cannot break them down, so they may last for many years in
rubbish dumps.
Some manmade polymers have been questioned not
the polymer itself, but chemicals liberated from them over time or when burned.
Some of its phthalate plasticisers are believed to mimic human hormones, its
constituent monomers are carcinogenic, and it has been blamed for some dioxin
formation
when incinerated.
Why Is Dangerous To Burn Polymers?
This is because the dangerous gases that form from polymers in the
burning process. When polymers such as plastics are burned carbon
containing gases are released.
During the burning process,
the carbon combines with oxygen present in the atmosphere & form oxides of
carbon. These gases have been linked
global warning, depletion of ozone
layer, acid rain and etc.
They create harmful effects on our ecosystem. It
depends what type of polymer it is.
- Polyethylene or
polypropylene, the gases generated are CO2 and H2O (not dangerous)
- Perfluorooctanoic acid
(PFOA) is a likely human carcinogen, endocrine-disrupting chemical and
reproductive toxin used in the manufacture of fluoropolymers such as DuPont’s
Teflon.
- Perfluorooctanesulfonic
acid (PFOS) is a persistent, bioaccumulative, cancer-causing chemical used in
Scotchgard.
