Is It Burned Plastic Is Terrible To Inhale I Just Found Out I Am 5 Weeks Pregnant?

Posted on Mon, 2 Nov 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 2 Nov 2020 Answered on

Fri, 23 May 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : I just found out I am 5 weeks pregnant, and was sitting by a campfire 2 days ago, which was inside a metal wheelbarrow with small pieces of plastic melting in it. We couldn’t figure out where the plastic was coming from, and I continued to sit about 5-6 feet from the fire for about an hour. I wasn’t coughing or irritated by the fumes but did notice the unpleasant smell that plastic gives off. I know burned plastic is terrible to inhale to begin with, and now that I know I’m pregnant and in the vulnerable stage of the first trimester, I can’t stop thinking about and regretting my carelessness. Is this cause for concern?

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You and your baby will not have consequences.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,

I think you will not have bad consequences on your health and your baby health.
It was just a single exposure ,you didn't had any respiratory symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing etc.
Inhaling plastic fumes may cause you breathing irritation and poisoning but nothing happened to you.
You will not have any consequences in future from it.
Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng