Plastic water pipes leach dangerous chemicals when damaged in wildfires

A new study published in Journal of Hazardous Materials demonstrates how plastic drinking water pipes break down when subjected to high temperatures.

In short:

When exposed to temperatures of 285℃, all four types of plastic pipes tested leached up to 10 different volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Benzene, a carcinogenic chemical, leached from all pipes at temperatures as low as 150℃.
Many of the same chemicals leached during this experiment have been detected in water distribution systems after wildfires.

Key quote:

“Various VOCs, such as benzene… and vinyl chloride, have been detected in drinking water systems exceeding their health-based state and federal maximum contaminant levels.”

Why this matters:

Wildfires have become increasingly intense and frequent as climate change continues to impact global weather patterns. As infrastructure, homes and buildings are burned, fires in urban areas release harmful toxins that linger in the environment. Plastic pipes are increasingly used in water infrastructure due to their low cost, but their ability to leach hazardous chemicals raises serious concerns about the potential trade offs for public health.

Related EHN coverage:

More resources:

Plastic Pollution Coalition: Drinking Water Contamination During Wildfires and How to Protect Yourself
National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health: Wildfires and drinking water safety: Understanding the risks and building resilience

Isaacson, Kristofer et al. for Journal of Hazardous Materials vol. 489. June 5, 2025

www.sciencedirect.com

Plastic water pipes leach dangerous chemicals when damaged in wildfires

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