Toxic pyrolysis products of solvents, paints, and polymer films

Abstract

The organic chemicals used for solvents, paint, and polymer films are resistant to heat, but if the temperature is raised sufficiently, all will pyrolyze or degrade thermally to form new, lower-molecular-weight chemical species. The solvents include nonhalogenated and halogenated varieties, and their possible occupational exposures and reaction products are described. Paint and paint-like coatings, when pyrolyzed, always produce smoke, but toxic metals included as pigment may produce hazardous fumes. The condition "meat wrapper's asthma" is described to illustrate the effects once believed due to PVC pyrolysis.