Burning plastics not only poses a great danger to the environment but to living organisms as well. This is because according to Dr. Joseph A. Racanelli, plastics burn to release toxic dioxides that are known to cause cancer and many other health effects to the human body, and mostly the skin. If anyone is to burn any plastic, or rubber, it would be advisable to burn it in a controlled chamber where temperatures are high enough to break the bonds, as well as reduce exposure to the human body. Some of the dangers of burning plastics in open air for the human skin are discussed below.
The first effect of burning plastic to the human skin is that the carbon oxides produced (carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide) lead to dry skin. This also makes it harder for skin cells to regenerate or grow, hence leading to drier skin and other skin infections. Prolonged exposure to these poisonous gases often leads to many other skin complications such as rosacea, acne, and wrinkles. This is mostly because the skin cells aren’t getting enough oxygen to keep processes going.
Although most people only know of carbon oxides, other toxic organic chemical compounds and dioxin produced when burning plastics remain a mystery to them. Nonetheless, these toxins are much more dangerous and toxic than carbon monoxide is. Health practitioners often link these chemicals to the rising number of skin cancer cases among other conditions. This is the reason why you should ensure your skin is covered with protective gear if working near burning plastics to reduce exposure. If you are planning on burning any waste plastics or rubber from your house, it would be best if you just dispose of it properly for recycling.
With plastics releasing tons of toxic gases and ashes to the environment, it would be advisable to stay clear of these to avoid exposure. Many governments and counties have also banned the burning of plastics to help protect the environment and the general public as a whole. Persons who have been exposed to plastic fumes are also known to show early signs of aging fast. Their skin starts to wrinkle and get stretch marks among other factors. One of the reasons for this is because these toxins reduce skin hydration and aeration, meaning skin cells start to die much faster than they are being produced. Although you may be careful not to burn plastics or polyethylene bags, the community needs to be educated on the dangers of the same to help stay safe.