Problems When Plastics Problems When Plastics BurnBurn

• Some plastics burn to produce toxic fumes.

• They can produce thick black smoke, make toxic fumes and use up large amounts of oxygen.

• As plastics contain carbon, so they produce carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide (as air runs out), and smoke.

PlasticElements present

Toxic fumes

Poly(ethene)Carbon and hydrogen

Carbon monoxide

P.V.C.Carbon,

hydrogen and chlorine

Hydrogen chloride (acidic)

Polyurethane foam

Carbon, hydrogen and

nitrogen

Hydrogen cyanide (toxic)

PolystyreneCarbon and hydrogen

Dense, black smoke

Biodegradable PlasticsBiodegradable Plastics

• Plastic packaging does not rot away and

so causes major litter problems.

• Many plastics are non-biodegradable,

meaning they will not rot away naturally.

• Plastics are now being introduced that

are biodegradable e.g. Biopol

(biodegradable polymer).

• Paper, originally used for packaging,

did rot away under the action of

microbes, and is described as

biodegradable.

• BIODEGRADABLE means that the

material will decay naturally.