The smell of burning plastic is common in many households.
From accidentally melting a plastic container in the dishwasher, to burning plastic wrap on a stovetop, you can always easily have burnt plastics smelling your home, and probably lingering for hours.
But beyond being an unpleasant scent, it’s easy to wonder if the fumes from these burnt plastics are harmful to our health. Let’s take a quick look at this in this article.
Is Burnt Plastic Smell Harmful?
When it comes to unusual smells in our surroundings, the smell of burnt plastic often registers as one of the most unpleasant. It’s that acrid, thick odor that tends to linger, making you wrinkle your nose in distaste.
But how safe is it?
To answer in simple terms – yes, it can indeed be harmful.
When plastic burns, it releases a complex mix of compounds, many of which are toxic. Among these are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins, and furans, all of which can have serious implications for our health.
The PAHs, for instance, are known carcinogens. In other words, they’re substances capable of causing cancer in living tissue. Long-term exposure can lead to an increased risk of developing cancer.
Similarly, dioxins and furans can lead to a wide range of health issues. Exposure to these compounds has been associated with problems related to reproduction, development, and the immune system.
Now, here’s something important to remember.
A brief, one-time exposure to a burnt plastic smell isn’t likely to cause severe health problems for a generally healthy person.
But repeated or prolonged exposure is a different matter entirely. The toxins can build up in your system over time, increasing the potential health risks.
Related: The Reason Using Plastic Cooking Utensils might not be safe
If you find yourself regularly encountering this smell due to your living conditions or work environment, it’s definitely cause for concern.
You should consider implementing measures to limit your exposure. This might involve improving ventilation, changing work processes, or even using protective equipment.
But what if you accidentally burn plastic at home? Read on to the next section
How To Get Rid Of The Smell of Burnt Plastic Faster
If you’ve accidentally burned plastic in your home or workplace, you may be wondering how to get rid of the smell.
Let’s talk a little about this…
Open Windows and Doors
The first step in getting rid of the smell of burnt plastic is to open any windows and doors in the affected area.
This will help to ventilate the space and allow fresh air to circulate, which can help to dilute and disperse the odour.
Use Air Purifiers or Fans
Air purifiers and fans can help remove the smell of burnt plastic from the air.
Air purifiers work by filtering the air, while fans help to circulate the air and disperse the odor. Place an air purifier or fan in the affected area and let it run for several hours to help remove the smell.
Clean Surfaces and Fabrics
The smell of burnt plastic can cling to surfaces and fabrics, so it’s important to clean these areas thoroughly to remove the odor.
Wipe down surfaces with a mixture of white vinegar and water, which can help to neutralize the odor. For fabrics, wash them in hot water with a heavy-duty laundry detergent to remove the smell.
Use Baking Soda or Activated Charcoal
Baking soda and activated charcoal are both effective odor absorbers.
Sprinkle baking soda or activated charcoal in the affected area and let it sit for several hours or overnight. Then, vacuum up the powder to remove the odour.
Avoid Using Strong Scents
While it may be tempting to use strong scents like air fresheners or scented candles to mask the smell of burnt plastic, this can make the problem worse.
Related: Does Cooking in Plastic Bags Causes Cancer?
Strong scents can irritate your respiratory system and make it harder to breathe, so it’s best to avoid using them when trying to get rid of the smell of burnt plastic.
That said, it’s important to take steps to remove the odor as soon as possible.
Open windows and doors, use air purifiers or fans, clean surfaces and fabrics, use baking soda or activated charcoal, and avoid using strong scents.
Conclusion
The smell of burnt plastic can be harmful to your health and it’s important to take it seriously.
While the odor may be unpleasant, it can also be a warning sign of potentially dangerous pollutants in the air.
