[Products of microbiological biodegradation of polymer materials as a factor of possible contamination of the atmosphere of hermetically sealed compartments with toxic substances].

The purpose of the present investigation was to determine hygienic relevance of microbial degradation of polymers in an enclosed environment. Experiments were carried out to study the growth and development of microorganisms--molds and bacteria--on polymers. It was found that the process may be accompanied by the formation of volatile toxic substances, i.e. biodegradation products resulting from microbial decomposition of polymer components. Polymer ingredients are the major factor that determines the qualitative and quantitative composition of volatile substances. The accumulation of these substances on polymers leads to the deterioration of their sanitary-chemical properties and consequently to the contamination of the environment. It is shown that the basic products of biodegradation of polyurethane foam are ethanol and acetaldehyde and those of polyvinyl chloride plates, isooctanol (2-ethyl hexanol). The environmental parameters affect the microbial activity and therefore the rate of biodegradation processes.