Neonatal exposure to methyl chloroform in tape remover

Methyl chloroform (MC) is commonly used solvent found in some adhesive tape remover products used in intensive care nurseries. Since volatile substances can accumulate inside an infant incubator, we measured levels of MC following simulated use of 2 commercially available adhesive tape remover pads. Readily detectable levels of MC could be found in incubator air for several minutes. Although adult occupational neurotoxic thresholds are higher, increased toxic susceptibility of the neonate CNS indicates caution should be observed.