Furthermore, additives are not bound to the plastic and leach out. It uses several hazardous intermediates and creates numerous hazardous by-products. These include phosgene, isocyanates, toluene, diamines, and the ozone-depleting gases methylene chloride and CFCs, as well as halogenated flame retardants and pigments. The burning of PU releases numerous hazardous chemicals such as isocyanates, carbon dioxide, hydrogen cyanide, PAHs and dioxins. Styrene is also known to be toxic to the reproductive system.
ABS uses a number of hazardous chemicals.
Acrylonitrile is highly toxic and readily absorbed by humans by inhalation and directly through the skin. Both the liquid and its vapor are highly toxic. Acrylonitrile is classified as a probable human carcinogen as are styrene and butadiene. PC does not need additives but does need solvents for its production, such as methylene chloride, a carcinogen. Other solvents used may include chloroform, 1,2-dichloroethylene, tetrachloroethane and chlorobenzene.