Emission of volatile organic compounds from medical equipment inside neonatal incubators

Abstract

Cyclohexanone was quantified in all incubator air samples containing plastic medical equipment. The concentration of cyclohexanone within the incubator was inversely related to ACH in the closed mode. The cyclohexanone concentration as well as the emission rate increased with higher temperature.

Cyclohexanone Exposure in Children on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support

“…19 Cyclohexanone was detected in all incubator air samples, with IV fluid administration sets contributing 89% of emissions. 19…”

Urinary metabolites of volatile organic compounds of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit

“…In contrast, two urinary metabolites were elevated in the open-crib group, consistent with higher 1,3-butadiene exposure. Potential sources of these 12 VOCs in a NICU include tobacco smoke (from parents’ and caregivers’ clothes and hair) (14), plasticizers from medical devices (5), excipients used in medications (15), and the cleaning/ sterilizing agents used to clean the cribs and incubators in particular and the NICU in general (16,17).…”

“…Plasticizers, acrylics, and synthetic rubber are common materials in the NICU. VOCs may be emitted from polyurethane foam in bedding materials (1,5,6,18).…”

“…Combined with immature pathways of biotransformation and elimination, this can result in higher concentrations of compounds in infants relative to older humans (2,3). The NICU environment has many potential sources of volatile organic chemicals (VOC), including endotracheal tubes, intravenous solution bags, bottles, diapers, nasal cannulas, catheters, cleaning agents, and water vapor (4,5). Within NICUs, plastic incubators can themselves serve as a source of VOCs and a microenvironment for entrapment and concentration of VOCs due to the decreased rate of air circulation compared with open-air beds (5).…”

“…The NICU environment has many potential sources of volatile organic chemicals (VOC), including endotracheal tubes, intravenous solution bags, bottles, diapers, nasal cannulas, catheters, cleaning agents, and water vapor (4,5). Within NICUs, plastic incubators can themselves serve as a source of VOCs and a microenvironment for entrapment and concentration of VOCs due to the decreased rate of air circulation compared with open-air beds (5). Analysis of the air within unoccupied incubators revealed that 2-heptanone and n -butyl acetate concentrations were higher within the incubators compared with room air in the NICU, with emission of these VOCs increasing when the incubators were in operational mode (6).…”