Smoke gas toxicity

The thermal decomposition of burning plastics produces various smoke gases that can have considerable toxicity. These smoke gases are made up of a large number of chemical compounds that are released by the effect of heat on the plastics. Among the most common and most dangerous components are carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), hydrogen cyanide (HCN), hydrogen chloride (HCl) and a large number of other organic compounds such as dioxins and furans.

The exact composition and the toxicity of the smoke gases depend heavily on the type of plastic burned and the combustion conditions. When inhaled, these toxic gases can cause serious damage to health, including respiratory irritation, poisoning, loss of consciousness and, in the worst case, death. It is therefore particularly important to take suitable protective measures in the event of plastics fires and to control the development of smoke in order to minimise the risk of smoke gas poisoning.