When burned without pollution controls, plastics can release a range of toxic chemicals that are seriously harmful to human health and the environment. Experts warn that addressing the open burning of ...

Plastic waste generation and emissions from the domestic open burning of plastic waste in Guatemala. Environmental Science: Atmospheres, 3 (1), 156-167. doi: 10.1039/d2ea00082b ...

"Burning plastic releases harmful chemicals such as dioxins, furans, and heavy metals into the air, which can have a range of health and welfare impacts such as lung diseases," he said.

Burning plastic in dumps and open fires is as big a problem for the planet as littering, scientists said Wednesday in a detailed new assessment of how plastic enters the environment.

The same survey found burning in an open fire or burying the plastic were common ways to dispose of it. Much was dumped in the nearest landfill.

Paris: Burning plastic in dumps and open fires is as big a problem for the planet as littering, scientists said Wednesday in a detailed new assessment of how plastic enters the environment.