Literature Review of the Chemical Nature and Toxicity of the Decomposition Products of Polyethylenes

摘要

The literature on polyethylenes has been reviewed with an emphasis on the identification of gaseous products generated under various thermal decomposition conditions and the toxicity of those products. The review is limited to publications in English through 1984. The analytical chemical studies of the thermal decomposition products generated under vacuum, inert and oxidative experimental conditions are described. In oxidative atmospheres, which most closely simulate real fire conditions, carbon monoxide (CO) was found to be the predominant toxicant. Acrolein was another toxicant often noted in these reviewed studies. More acrolein was generated under non-flaming than under flaming conditions. Results from seven different test procedures were considered in assessing the acute inhalation toxicity of combustion products from various polyethylene formulation. The combustion products generated from the polyethylenes studied in the non-flaming mode appeared to be slightly more toxic than those produced in the flaming mode.