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Disposable plastic diapers: a foreign body hazard

C M Johnson

    Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery : Official Journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
    |February 1, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    Plastic diaper coating poses a serious choking hazard for infants, leading to potential airway obstruction. Covering diapers with clothing can prevent children from accessing this dangerous material.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatrics
    • Otolaryngology
    • Consumer Product Safety

    Background:

    • Foreign body aspiration in children is a significant cause of airway obstruction and mortality.
    • Plastic materials, such as balloons and dry-cleaning sacks, are known choking hazards.
    • Disposable diapers present a newly identified risk due to their plastic coating.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To highlight the risk of nasal aspiration of plastic coating from disposable diapers in children.
    • To compare recent cases with existing data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
    • To recommend preventative measures for healthcare providers and parents.

    Main Methods:

    • Case comparison of two recent incidents of nasal aspiration of diaper plastic.
    • Review of U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports on similar occurrences.
    • Analysis of potential mechanisms for aspiration.

    Main Results:

    • Two cases of nasal aspiration of disposable diaper plastic coating were identified.
    • These cases align with previously documented incidents of foreign body aspiration.
    • The plastic coating can become accessible to infants, posing an aspiration risk.

    Conclusions:

    • Disposable diapers pose an unrecognized risk of nasal aspiration for infants.
    • Continuous covering of diapers with other clothing is recommended to prevent infant access.
    • Otolaryngologists and pediatricians must consider this hazard in relevant clinical scenarios.

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