Toxicity of polymer compounds
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How much do you actually know about the toxicity of polymer compounds, which we don’t come into contact with very often in our daily lives? ? I’m starting a post suggesting that we share information here on the toxicity of the polymer materials we are familiar with, as well as the preventive measures, so that we can be aware of them in our future work and daily life and take precautions in advance! I thank you here! This post was last edited by QXZ-1966 on 2008-11-13 07:48]
Let me start with a PS: Polystyrene is a colorless, odorless, transparent material that is flammable; at 200 degrees Celsius, it decomposes to yield styrene and other low-molecular-weight compounds such as dimers or trimers. Toxicity: It mainly causes inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. Among women who are exposed to PS dust for long periods, the incidence of vaginal inflammation increases. Prevention: Personnel involved in production should wear gas masks and protective clothing to prevent inhalation of dust ； The monomer styrene content in the raw materials used for food packaging made with PS should be kept below 0.6%!
The solvents used in synthesis are often the most toxic. Materials synthesized from toluene, benzene, and the like are relatively better
PS is extremely useful in daily life! Bless! I hope everyone is safe!
PVC has lower toxicity and can come into direct contact with food
Plasticizers in PVC products such as DOP and DBP are suspected of being carcinogenic, and many **have called for their use to be stopped.
This guy makes a valid point; many individual substances have greater toxicity, and many compounds are theoretically non-toxic, but become toxic once they volatilize!
Since everyone is so interested in PVC, I’ll introduce polyvinyl chloride to you today. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): It is a thermoplastic; the industrial form appears as a white or light yellow powder with a specific gravity of around 1.4. Its chlorine content ranges from 56-58%. Low-molecular-weight PVC is soluble in similar esters and chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents, while high-molecular-weight PVC is less soluble in such solvents. Both types exhibit excellent resistance to chemical corrosion, but they have poor thermal stability and light resistance. Hydrogen chloride begins to be released at 140 degrees Celsius, which is why stabilizers are added during manufacturing. PVC has excellent electrical insulation properties and does not burn. Toxicity: It arises mainly from the small molecular compounds formed during decomposition; hydrogen chloride is released at 140 degrees Celsius ； Hydrogen chloride, CO, and CO2 are precipitated at 300° ； 500° generates toxic gases such as phosgene! Prolonged exposure by humans can lead to respiratory diseases, lung function disorders, neurological diseases, and cancer (caused by plasticizers). Prevention: Ensure proper ventilation and use protective measures to avoid direct human contact ； Polyvinyl chloride is not suitable for making packaging for food and pharmaceuticals, as the chlorine element and the hydrogen chloride it releases are toxic to humans. Therefore, polyethylene resin is often used as a substitute!
Taking PVC plastic as an example, it is usually the additional modifiers that cause cancer or lead to pathological changes, such as stabilizers – heavy metal salts of stearic acid, and plasticizers – DOP, DBP
Polymer materials are in a solid state at room temperature; as long as they are not prone to hydrolysis, decomposition, or dissolution, they will not be toxic to the human body, and their toxicity is low. Even if dust comes into contact with them, it will not cause harm to humans.
Hydrocarbon polymers are generally not highly toxic under normal use; it is mainly the residual monomers, catalysts (heavy metals), additives, etc. that pose significant hazards.