[nhoward14]

At extreme temperature the materials can transform from a non-toxic compound to a toxic compound. Since the shuttle broke up on re-entry, you will have materials on the interior of the shuttle exposed to conditions for which they were not intended. I think they are just being cautious because the plastics, polymers, rubbers, and liquids in the Shuttle components can morph into nasty solids that may release toxic fumes.

[uglybiker]

Personally, I think the toxic materials bit is overblown. They don't want anyone coming in contact with the debris because it is forensic evidence.(Or scarfing it up and selling it on e-bay)

[uglybiker]

(correct posting)

Personally, I think the toxic materials bit is overblown. They don't want anyone coming in contact with the debris because it is forensic evidence.

I.E. They're not as concerned about the wreckage contaminating people as they are about people contaminating the wreckage.

(Or scarfing it up and selling it on e-bay)