If plastic is just complex chains of carbon, why are there concerns of toxic chemicals being released when it touches food or is accidentally burned/consumed?

Question

If plastic is just complex chains of carbon, why are there concerns of toxic chemicals being released when it touches food or is accidentally burned/consumed?

In: 5

Answer 1

Carbon can form toxic chemicals, such as Carbon and Nitrogen forming cyanide, and similar compounds.

This is just one extreme example, there are less toxic, but still dangerous chemicals that plastics can form. Especially when burned.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyanide