Physiological and practical evaluation of a biological/chemical protective device for infants

The Chemical Infant Protective System (CHIPS) is a special hoodlike system into which a small battery-operated blower delivers filtered air. Because it is a semiclosed system, there is a risk of dangerous CO₂ accumulation within the device, which particularly affects infants with acute or chronic respiratory disorders. Eleven infants hospitalized with various respiratory illnesses wore the device for 15 minutes. Inspired O₂, inspired CO₂, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and inside temperature and humidity were measured before and during this test period. Inspired O₂ and heart rate during the test period were significantly lower than baseline levels (O₂, 19.1 vs. 20.1%; heart rate, 133 vs. 142 beats/min). Inspired CO₂ and inside temperature during the test period were significantly higher than baseline levels (CO₂, 0.23 vs. 0.06%; temperature, 25.0 vs. 23.1°C). Oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and humidity were not different from baseline levels. A short-term stay within the CHIPS in well-ventilated surroundings did not result in significant clinical and physiological impact for sick infants. Nevertheless, trends were identified that may be worrisome during longer periods and in sealed rooms.