Resolved question:
I am a doctoral student in sociology. I was using a stationary bike on an extremely rigorous resistance setting. The plastic attached to the circumference of the wheel on the bike got extremely hot and I could smell plastic fumes coming off the plastic covering of the exercise wheel. I ceased to use the bike and let the plastic cool down before lowering the resistance setting to where the plastic would not heat up. I am concerned about whether the plastic fumes posed any danger to my brain cells. I aired out my apartment once I became aware of the fumes and did not resume using my exercise bike until I could not detect the scent of any more plastic fumes. How concentrated do plastic fumes have to be to kill brain cells? Is merely catching the scent of heated plastic sufficient to kill brain cells or would the fumes have to be rather concentrated? I did not intentionally breathe in the plastic fumes and the plastic did not visibly melt but rather only became really hot. I think my brain cells were not endangered by catching the scent of plastic fumes but I would like an expert opinion. If plastic fumes pose the same danger as rubber cement which can be used properly without any danger to brain cells then I have no reason for concern. However, I am not an expert on the dangers of fumes. Again, to summarize, I became aware of plastic fumes and probably breathed in a little bit of them but not in any great quantity. I did not get a headache or feeling of elation (presumably the feeling of "getting high.") Therefore, I presume no damage was done. However, I want an expert opinion on this. My brain cells are very important to me. I appreciate your expertise on this matter. Thank you very much.
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Family Physician-GP
Hello,
Thank you for your medical query at DoctorSpring.com
I am Dr. Jay and I am pleased to assist you. I appreciate how you have posted such a detailed query.
I won't be worried in your case, because firstly the exposure was too short to cause any damage and secondly you did the smart thing by not inhaling the air when the plastic fumes were coming off. So this does not really pose any danger. Only people who have repeated such exposures and keep inhaling the toxic materials, will have side effects like damage to skin, brain cells, e.t.c
If there was any damage, there would have been symptoms like light-headedness, elation as you rightly mentioned, unconsciousness, vomiting, e.t.c
So kindly do not worry.
Please feel free to discuss further,
Dr. Jay