RT Journal
A1 LACOUTURE PG, LESKO SM, HASSEN L, RINGER S, EPSTEIN MF, MITCHELL AA
T1 Adhesive tape remover pads: A risk to the newborn?
JF American Journal of Diseases of Children
JO American Journal of Diseases of Children
YR 1989
FD December 1
VO 143
IS 12
SP 1391
OP 1391
DO 10.1001/archpedi.1989.02150240013003
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archpedi.1989.02150240013003
AB To the Editor.—1,1,1-Trichloroethane (TCE), also known as methyl chloroform, is a solvent used to remove grease, oil, or wax from metal surfaces. Disposable gauze pads saturated with TCE have found wide acceptance in hospitals as an adhesive tape remover. In the newborn intensive care unit, these pads are used to remove tape from intravenous sites and from around the nose and mouth when nasal cannulae and endotracheal tubes are removed. 1,1,1-Trichloroethane is rapidly absorbed through the lungs, and its clinical effects are related to its concentration in the air.1,2 1,1,1-Trichloroethane levels of 160 ppm have been measured in incubator air following the use of adhesive tape remover pads on an infant mannequin.3 The situation exists, therefore, where appreciable quantities might be inhaled by very small infants. This possibility is enhanced if TCE is applied close to the nares. Furthermore, although TCE absorption through the skin has been