Airborne concentrations of volatile organic compounds in neonatal incubators

Abstract

Objective: To identify and quantify airborne volatile organic compounds (VOCs) inside neonatal incubators during various modes of operation within the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) environment.Study Design: Air samples were taken from 10 unoccupied incubators in four operational settings along with ambient air samples using air sampling canisters. The samples were analyzed following EPA TO-15 using a Tekmar AutoCan interfaced to Agilent 6890 Gas Chromatograph with a 5973 Mass Spectrometer calibrated for 60 EPA TO-15 method target compounds. Non-target compounds were tentatively identified using mass spectral interpretation and with a mass spectral library created by National Institute for Standards and Technology.Result: Two non-target compounds, 2-heptanone and n-butyl acetate, were found at elevated concentrations inside the incubators compared with ambient room air samples. Increase in temperature and addition of humidity produced further increased concentrations of these compounds. Their identities were verified by mass spectra and relative retention times using authentic standards. They were quantified using vinyl acetate and 2-hexanone as surrogate standards. Conclusion:The emission pattern of these two compounds and background measurements indicate that they originate inside the incubator. There is evidence that exposure to some VOCs may adversely impact the fetal and developing infants' health. Currently, as there is no definitive information available on the effects of acute or chronic lowlevel exposure to these compounds in neonates, future studies evaluating the health effects of neonatal exposure to these VOCs are needed.

Emission of volatile organic compounds from medical equipment inside neonatal incubators

“…As in the previous studies investigating incubator VOCs, 9,10 we also found cyclohexanone concentrations increased with elevated incubator temperature. This increase in concentration observed with increased temperature at the 72-and 96-h samples suggested that the cyclohexanone emissions were indeed constant and steady-state concentrations were in fact measured.…”

“…In 2006, Prazad et al 9 identified the presence of several VOCs inside unoccupied neonatal incubators, and the concentrations of two VOCs, 2-heptanone and n-butyl acetate, consistently increased when incubator temperature rose from 28°C to 37°C as well as with the addition of 50% humidity at 37°C. A subsequent study by Eppler et al 10 confirmed these results and also found that phototherapy had no effect on the concentrations of these two compounds.…”

Assessment of Indoor Air Pollution in Homes with Infants

“…Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are found in sources such as paints, furnishings, carpets, and household cleaning products. Many can be respiratory and sensory irritants, carcinogens, developmental toxins, neurotoxins, hepatotoxins, and immunosuppressants, and may cause symptoms that manifest as sick building syndrome [6]. …”

Volatile organic compounds in the air of neonatal incubators

“…for 11 weeks have been reported to show no adverse effects. 11 As no data on 2-heptanone and n-butyl acetate are currently available in neonates including preterm infants, it is difficult to predict whether prolonged exposure to the levels of these two compounds in the ranges observed by Prazad et al 4 could cause any toxicity in those patients. The history of neonatology has shown us that neonates, especially, extremely preterm infants, may be much more susceptible to toxins and medications than adults because of the differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, or interactions between multiple drugs and toxins.…”

“…2 One study showed that the atmospheric purification by an intraincubator air purification unit significantly increased pregnancy rate following transfer of in vitro produced bovine embryos. 3 In this issue of Journal of Perinatology, Prazad et al 4 report the result of a study that was carefully designed to identify and quantify any airborne volatile organic compound inside neonatal incubators. The authors used state-of-the-art technology, that is, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, to identify and quantify these compounds.…”