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Are Fumes From Burnt Plastic Toxic?

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Posted on Mon, 23 Feb 2015
Question: I just woke up to an intense burning smell in my house. After searching for what it was, I found that the dishwasher had burned a thick piece of plastic, causing fumes aND smoke through the house. is this toxic? I have a 1 year old and don't know how bad these fumes are. I'm paranoid to go back to bed.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Better to clear the fumes

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr Mittal
I think it would be a definitely good idea to aerate the house, by opening the windows to let the fresh air in. The fumes can definitely be dangerous for not only the young one but even for you. So if possible, it would be better to ask the neighbors to let you and the baby in till the fumes clear out. Once that happens, you can safely go back to the house and be more careful next time.

I hope that this helps you.
Please feel free to ask a follow up query
Best of luck
Dr Mittal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Saumya Mittal (7 minutes later)
it has been 2 and a half hours since it happened, I have all the windows open. will we be ok? don't have a neighbor to go to
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
If air is clean no problem

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am not sure what time it is there
But if it is possible, go for a small walk in the open.
Take the baby along.
After the exposure, it would be good to get some fresh oxygen.
When you come back, you will be able to tell if the air is clean
The nose needs the adaptation time
If the air is clean, you should be safe
Just make sure that the dish washer is disconnected.

It would also be a good idea to call 911 to get some oxygen for the baby for some time.

I hope that helps.
Feel free to contact for more information
Best of luck
Dr Mittal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Saumya Mittal (10 minutes later)
it is 4 am here so baby is sleeping, but she seems to be breathing fine. the house is pretty aired out now so I hope everything will be ok. thank u, I'm just scared if I go to sleep I'll stop breathing or something because I heard that can happen after exposed to plastic fumes...
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
relax. it will be ok

Detailed Answer:
Relax XXXXXXX
You will be ok
That happens when you have a burn in a closed space.
Plastic burns fast so it consumes all the oxygen
And continued burning produces carbon monooxide in absence of oxygen

Since the air is clean, you need not worry.
The windows are open so you have plenty of oxygen
Best of luck
Dr Mittal
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Saumya Mittal

Diabetologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2897 Questions

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Are Fumes From Burnt Plastic Toxic?

Brief Answer: Better to clear the fumes Detailed Answer: Hi I am Dr Mittal I think it would be a definitely good idea to aerate the house, by opening the windows to let the fresh air in. The fumes can definitely be dangerous for not only the young one but even for you. So if possible, it would be better to ask the neighbors to let you and the baby in till the fumes clear out. Once that happens, you can safely go back to the house and be more careful next time. I hope that this helps you. Please feel free to ask a follow up query Best of luck Dr Mittal