Is Polymer Dangerous?

“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.