Suffocation Hazard Assessment

Each year, consumer products are cited as the cause of hundreds of suffocation-related child fatalities.

Intertek's quest to understand what causes suffocation encompasses study of the variables in such incidents and consultation with child respiratory and pulmonary experts. A key component of the research effort is a medical mannequin.

How it works: The mannequin's mechanical lung system simulates the breathing flow volume, flow rate and respiratory frequency of a one-year-old child. A basic test is to block airflow by placing test samples on the mannequin's face. Measuring peak pressure inside the mechanical lungs determines if breathing can be sustained despite the blockage. Evaluation criteria also recognize the type of product and potential exposure to children. More demanding criteria is applied to those with greater exposure-durable goods such as mattresses - than to disposable items like plastic package wrapping.

Request more information to see how Intertek can help your organization with Suffocation Hazard Assessment.