Literature Review of the Chemical Nature and Toxicity of the Decomposition Products of Polyethylenes.

Published

January 1, 1986

Author(s)

M Paabo, B C. Levin

Abstract

The literature on polyethylenes has been reviewed with an emphasis on the identification of gaseous products generated under various thermal decomposition conditions and the toxicity of those products. This review is limited to publications in English through 1984. The analytical chemical studies of the thermal decomposition products generated under vacuum, inert and oxidative experimental conditions are described. In oxidative atmospheres, which most closely simulate real fire conditions, carbon monoxide (CO) was found to be the predominant toxicant. Acrolein was another toxicant often noted in these reviewed studies. More acrolein was generated under non-flaming than under flaming conditions.

Citation

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) -

NIST Pub Series

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

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Keywords

combustion products, literature reviews, polyethylenes, thermal decomposition, toxicity

Citation

Paabo, M. and Levin, B. (1986), Literature Review of the Chemical Nature and Toxicity of the Decomposition Products of Polyethylenes., NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=101665 (Accessed October 14, 2025)