On Toxics from Degradation of Polymers

3 Some Additional Notes on the Toxic Chemicals Evolving from Degradation, Combustion and Sterilisation of Polymers 

On the other hand, when combusted (such as in fire), they can produce toxic gases that may seriously hamper the health. 

Polymers, in the form of plastics and rnbbers offer a number of benefits in use, but their production, application and disposal stages may present a number of environmental problems. One of these problems is degradation due to either thermal, mechanical, UV or other effects (i.e., in the case of a fire), and hence the production of toxic chemicals that can be taken by humans (by inhalation or by other means). 

For health and safety purposes, the products that are likely to be formed should be known and identified precisely at all times. 

PVC degrades slowly on standing, with a colour change from light yellow to reddish brown caused by HCl evolution. Temperature affects the rate of this evolution but not 

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