What happens when plastic burns in wildfires?

What Happens When Plastic Burns in Wildfires?

When wildfires ravage communities, the visible destruction is undeniable. As someone born and raised in Los Angeles, the devastating aftermath of these fires–from the lingering debris left on shorelines to the images of scorched homes–is something I have become all too familiar with. Although such visible waste may seem to be addressed months later, it’s important not to overlook the lingering health threats brought upon by these fires, which continue to affect us through invisible and intangible pollutants.

The catastrophic fires that affected Los Angeles in the beginning of 2025 released an overwhelming amount of dangerous chemicals into the air, creating an environment where even breathing became hazardous. The fires released a complex mix of chemicals into the air, including gaseous pollutants such as carbon monoxide, hazardous air pollutants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and particulate matter. However, this only begins to tell the story. While smoke from fires is clearly harmful to inhale, we must also consider what was burning. 

As the Los Angeles fires ravaged homes, they also ignited the large amounts of plastic that permeate our daily lives. Our homes are filled with plastic–from the materials that coat our couches and countertops to the synthetic fabrics in our clothing. When fires consume these materials, they pose dangerous threats to our health. These harmful substances may include dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and styrene gas. Exposure to these toxins can impair the immune and reproductive systems, elevate the risk of respiratory problems, and increase the likelihood of certain cancers.

While natural disasters like wildfires seem beyond our control, we can take significant steps towards reducing their prevalence and tackling the issue of toxic air overall by decreasing plastic production. The good news is that we already have the tools to make a difference. Cities like Los Angeles, which are already grappling with the harmful effects of pollution across multiple arenas, have taken the lead in this fight and are calling on others to help the state move beyond plastic.

The challenge is daunting, but the solution is within our reach. Together, we can phase out plastic and move toward cleaner air and a healthier, more sustainable future.