Plastic fumes

[francisco]

Hopefully somebody here knows enough about chemistry to answer this question:

If a clear plastic pen is used as a bong stem, will the hot smoke passing through the stem release toxic plastic fumes?

 

[Ham-milton]

shouldn't. Guess it depends on how hot it gets. Not sure what kind of plastic it is, either. that obviously matters.

 

[francisco]

Yeah, I keep getting uncertain answers like that . I probably need to talk to a chemist if I want a definite answer.

 

[Ham-milton]

there are plenty here. I've done it, and my IQ hasn't dropped, though.

 

[francisco]

Ok, let's assume that the plastic is clear polystyrene.

 

[Ham-milton]

If it's clear, as long as you keep it below 400 degree F, you should be fine. Above that toxic out-gassing may occur.

 

[vecktor]

The outgassing of stuff from the palstic is going to occur in tiny amounts, mostly plasticisers and preservatives but if you look at the big picture there is a lot more nasty carcinogenic stuff coming through in the smoke from the burning/vapourising pyrolizing material in the bong.

 

[francisco]

400 degrees ... that sounds pretty hot. I'm guessing newly created smoke is about that hot, more or less. I'll check.

Also, does anyone know about polypropylene fumes?

I found out that most cheap pens and mechanical pencils are made from both poly-propylene and -styrene.

 

[MattPsy]

The fumes you're at most danger from is the plasticisers in the plastic, i'd think. It's hard to know what would have been used. ... oh, and all the combustion products of that which you're smoking.

At least the plastic involved isn't PVC - that would be pretty toxic if it started to get too hot.

 

[moonyham]

heres a good indicator: If the plastic starts changing color(from heat not resin), shape, or texture, or it gets too hot to touch, stop using it.

 

[fastandbulbous]

Get a metal or glass tube (even paper!). You don't have to use a plastic one

 

[resorcinol]

Like everyone else is saying, how much plastic will vaporizes will depend on the temperature.

If you're nervous, take FaF's advice and find another material to use.

 

[Jabberwocky]

dur I'm with FB, why not use glass?

 

[francisco]

Yeah, I haven't used plastic for a long, long time. Joints are better.

 

[fastandbulbous]

If you're nervous, take FaF's advice and find another material to use

.

Yet another variation on my name Dare I ask what it stands for?

 

[johanneschimpo]

^ you know its fast and fabulous

 

[Jabberwocky]

lol FB is the greatest

 

[fastandbulbous]

At this point, I'll not ask the greatest what as I my other half just read that over my shoulder and suggested the greateat lard-arse