Drinking water contamination from the thermal degradation of plastics: implications for wildfire and structure fire response

Abstract

Plastic pipes are susceptible to thermal degradation which can produce volatile organic compounds such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene that leach into drinking water.

Fire and Water: Assessing Drinking Water Contamination After a Major Wildfire

“…The fact that concentrations of benzene were highest in service lines to destroyed homes is consistent with the hypothesis that chemical pyrolysis products were pulled into the service lines due to loss of system pressure. The origin of the benzene may include the combustion of residential materials, thermal degradation or pyrolysis of plastic pipes, water meters, and other components of the water system itself, as well as wood smoke. ,, A prior study on VOCs from crude oil indicates that the adsorption and subsequent release of VOCs varies significantly by type of pipe material, with various types of plastic sequestering and gradually releasing contaminants over weeks or months …”

“…Some in vivo bioassays showed evidence of hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and developmental toxicity . One study showed evidence of kidney and liver tumors in both rats and mice, on the basis of which the U.S. EPA concluded that THF shows “suggestive evidence of carcinogenic potential” . The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified THF as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2B), on the basis of sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in animals…”

“…The origin of the benzene may include the combustion of residential materials, thermal degradation or pyrolysis of plastic pipes, water meters, and other components of the water system itself, as well as wood smoke. 7,16,17 A prior study on VOCs from crude oil indicates that the adsorption and subsequent release of VOCs varies significantly by type of pipe material, with various types of plastic sequestering and gradually releasing contaminants over weeks or months. 18 Our analysis of PID data showed that both the concentrations and the detection frequency of benzene declined over the months following the fire; during that time, the water system was being flushed and highly contaminated sections of pipe were replaced.…”

“…The origin of the benzene may include the combustion of residential materials, thermal degradation or pyrolysis of plastic pipes, water meters, and other components of the water system itself, as well as wood smoke. 7 , 16 , 17 A prior study on VOCs from crude oil indicates that the adsorption and subsequent release of VOCs varies significantly by type of pipe material, with various types of plastic sequestering and gradually releasing contaminants over weeks or months. 18 …”

Pentachlorophenol has significant adverse effects on hematopoietic and immune system development in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

“…The burning of plastics, paints, treated wood, and other materials can release debris containing volatile organic compounds into the environment [ 5 – 9 ]. Following the Camp Fire, which destroyed the town of Paradise, CA in 2018, a panel of chemical contaminants were identified in creeks of Paradise during subsequent storms.…”