Hydrocarbons toxic byproducts

The recommended method of trichloroethylene disposal is incineration after mixing with a combustible fuel (Sittig 1985). Care should be taken to carry out combustion to completion in order to prevent the formation of phosgene (Sjoberg 1952). Other toxic byproducts of incomplete combustion include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and perchloroaromatics (Blankenship et al. 1994 Mulholland et al. 1992). An acid scrubber also must be used to remove the haloacids produced. 

Smoke is produced by burning hydrocarbons and solids in considerable quantities, (particularly under conditions of incomplete combustion). It is also produced in large quantities by burning electrical and electronic equipment. Smoke consists of finely divided particulate matter and suspended liquid droplets (aerosols) and can contain toxic byproducts of combustion. Smoke creates a serious hazard to personnel due to its physiological effects and the reduction of visibility (most of the deaths on the Piper Alpha platform were of men in their living quarters who were overcome by smoke). 

Dioxins (PCDDs) and furans (PCDFs) are polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons of high toxicity. There are a total of 210 different congeners 75 dioxin congeners and 135 furan congeners, of which 17 are potentially toxic. Dioxins and furans are now found prevalent in air, water, and soil in almost all natural environments. PCDD/Fs are strongly bound to organic matter, where half-life in soil has been estimated at 10-20 years (Ryan et al., 1987). PCDD/Fs enter the environment primarily as unintentional byproducts of combustion and chemical processes. 

Concern that byproducts will be a health threat - It is true that depending on the extent of degradation, daughter products may be more toxic than the original contaminants. The production of vinyl chloride as a byproduct of chlorinated hydrocarbon reduction is an example. 

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