Health Risks of Burning Plastic Cups

Plastic contains a number of components that are not hazardous when used properly, but can be harmful to both humans and animals if burned and the fumes inhaled. While not all of the chemicals found in plastic have been conclusively linked to specific diseases, a handful of them have raised suspicion and have been subject to some study. These different chemicals may be present in your cup and become dangerous if burned.

TCDD

• This chemical called tetrachlorodibenzodioxin is formed when certain plastics are burned and while it can be harmful to animals, there is some debate whether it causes significant harm in humans. TCDD is also a by-product of making herbicide. Used in the combat chemical Agent Orange during the Vietnam War, a consensus report concluded in 2002 that there was insufficient evidence to link it to higher risk of leukemia in the children of veterans.

Phthalates

• Phthalates are a chemical group used to make plastic more resilient, but in high exposure levels has caused disruption in the endocrine system and male reproductive systems of test animals. There have also been studies linking the chemicals to liver cancer, but the Center for Disease Control states that the hazard of phthalates to humans has not been fully established.

Furans

• Studies have linked this group of chemicals to cancer and respiratory disease and it may change hormone levels, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. It is a by-product of producing herbicide or wood pulp and can be found in plastic and food.

Bisphenol-A

• Tests and studies have shown that Bisphenol-A, or BPA, can affect reproduction and brain development in animal studies, and is used to make plastics clear and hard. There are few studies on the effect the chemical has on humans, but there is suspicion it may have the similar effects on people. A recent study from UC San Francisco linked the chemical to infertility in women, but the sample of women was too small to be conclusive.