Table 2: Compounds generated during the incineration of polyvinylchloride and their harmful effects.

Compound Health effect(s)
Acetaldehyde It damages the nervous system, causing lesions.
Acetone Irritates the eyes, the respiratory tract.
Benzaldehyde Irritates the eyes, skin, respiratory system, limits brain function.
Benzole Carcinogenic, adversely effects the bone marrow, the liver, the immune system.
Formaldehyde Serious eye damage, carcinogenic, may cause pulmonary oedeŽma.
Phosgene Gas used in the WWI. Corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory organs.
Polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxin Carcinogenic, irritates the skin, eyes and respiratory system. It damages the circulatory, digestive and nervous system, liver, bone marrow.
Polychlorinated dibenzofuran Irritates the eyes and the respiratory system, causes asthma.
Hydrochloric acid Corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract.
Salicyl-aldehyde Irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. It can also affect the central nervous system.
Toluene Irritates the eyes and the respiratory tract, can cause depression.
Xylene Irritates the eyes. It can also affect the central nervous system, reduces the level of consciousness and impairs learning ability.
Propylene Damages the central nervous system by lowering of consciousŽness.
Vinyl chloride Carcinogenic, irritating to eyes, skin and respiratory system. Effect on the central nervous system, liver, spleen, blood-forming organs.

Source: Nagy and Kuti [36].