Development of methodologies to assess the relative hazards from thermal decomposition products of polymeric materials.

The physiological stress imposed upon mice due to the irritating properties of thermal decomposition products of polymeric materials was evaluated. Acute lethality and histopathological evaluation were included in the study. The rankings of the polymeric materials studied from most to least hazardous was concluded to be polytetrafluoroethylene greater than polyvinyl chloride greater than Douglas Fir and flexible polyurethane foam greater than fiber glass reinforced polyester greater than copper coated wire with mineral insulation.