This report presents a comprehensive literature review of the thermal decomposition products of polypropylene evolved under pyrolytic and oxidative conditions and the acute toxicity of combustion products of this polymer. Generally, the pyrolysis products of polypropylene (300-700°C) were aliphatic saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons. The combustion of polypropylene in air (200-600°C) produced oxygenated hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, aliphatic hydrocarbons, CO, CO,, and H,O. In general, as combustion temperature and time increased, the proportions of oxygenated and aliphatic hydrocarbons decreased, whereas the proportion of aromatic hydrocarbons increased. Using the University of San Francisco/National Aeronautical and Space Administration (USF/NASA) method under the fixed temperature program, time to death in mice caused by the combustion products of polypropylene decreased as the temperature was increased. Under the rising temperature mode, time to death decreased when polypropylene was combusted under airflow as compared to no airflow conditions. CO levels generated by the combustion of polypropylene were sufficient to produce the lethal effects observed. Using a test method developed at the University of Michigan, the combustion products of polypropylene were found to be 26 times more toxic under dynamic conditions (rising temperature) than under static conditions (fixed temperature). Downloaded from PUROHIT AND ORZEL Polypropylene ranks fourth in the production of plastics, with over 3 billion pounds produced in 1978.") Polypropylene is a hydrocarbon polymer (85.7% carbon and 14.3% hydrogen) formed by the polymerization of propylene. The chemical formula of polypropylene is [ -CH, -CH(CH,)-In.Polypropylene is available as fiber, filament, film, and molded plastic. ( I ) Moided polypropylene is used in kitchen utensils, waste baskets, flower pots, toys, luggage, crates, and gardening equipments. It is used also to make components for washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators. Polypropylene fibers and filaments are used for the backing structure of tufted carpets, as secondary backing for carpets, in automotive interior trim, and in upholstery fabrics.") Polypropylene film is used as packaging for the outer wrap of cigarette packages and snack food packaging.