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Can Water Contaminated By Burnt Plastic Cause Carcinogenic Effect In A Person?

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Posted on Wed, 15 Jul 2015
Question: Hi,
my old bathroom water heating device (placed many years ago, before I started living in my house) got burnt, spreading a nasty melted plastic smell around. Two days later I got a new one, and the plumbers found out the old device was entirely melted and burnt inside. They emptied it, a lot of dark water flew. Plus, they told me the same device brought water even to the kitchen tap, where I may have drunk last night. I'm scared for what I may have drunk and the water I've used to wash (even my genitals and teeth). I'm afraid of carcinogenic effects, please suggest a detoxing treatment. Thank you.
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Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (14 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Rare possibility of carcinogenic effect.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome to Healthcaremagic.
Hi, I am Dr Anshul Varshney , I have read your query in detail , I understand your concern.
Now, that is totally luck dependent and can't be assumed as you don't know that the water was really contaminated with infection or not.
As far as the carcinogenic effects are concerned, that is a rare possibility as the carcinogenic effect occurs on a long term exposure and not on such a short exposure.
The only ill effect that you may get with the exposure in infection, that too amoebic most commonly.
For that, in case you get any symptoms like pain abdomen, loose stools, vomiting's you should report your doctor who would treat you with appropriate antibiotics like Metronidazole.
For the purpose of detoxification, as i said, carcinogenic effect with this exposure is the last thing to happen on earth, you need not to worry.
However, drink plenty of water so that you flush out all the infection, in case it is there.
This is my personal opinion based on details available here. If you still have any other query, you may please ask me.
Stay Healthy.
Dr Anshul Varshney , MD
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Anshul Varshney

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 3071 Questions

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Can Water Contaminated By Burnt Plastic Cause Carcinogenic Effect In A Person?

Brief Answer: Rare possibility of carcinogenic effect. Detailed Answer: Welcome to Healthcaremagic. Hi, I am Dr Anshul Varshney , I have read your query in detail , I understand your concern. Now, that is totally luck dependent and can't be assumed as you don't know that the water was really contaminated with infection or not. As far as the carcinogenic effects are concerned, that is a rare possibility as the carcinogenic effect occurs on a long term exposure and not on such a short exposure. The only ill effect that you may get with the exposure in infection, that too amoebic most commonly. For that, in case you get any symptoms like pain abdomen, loose stools, vomiting's you should report your doctor who would treat you with appropriate antibiotics like Metronidazole. For the purpose of detoxification, as i said, carcinogenic effect with this exposure is the last thing to happen on earth, you need not to worry. However, drink plenty of water so that you flush out all the infection, in case it is there. This is my personal opinion based on details available here. If you still have any other query, you may please ask me. Stay Healthy. Dr Anshul Varshney , MD