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This study determines the flammability of polyvinylchloride (PVC), red rubber (RR), and silicone (Si) endotracheal tubes in oxygen- and nitrous-oxide-enriched atmospheres. Flammability is measured by using the oxygen and nitrous oxide indices of flammability with laser ignition. The laser-ignited oxygen (O2) index of flammability of the endotracheal tubes is: PVC, 0.25; RR, 0.19; Si, 0.20. The laser-ignited nitrous oxide (N2O) index of flammability of the endotracheal tubes is: PVC, 0.45; RR, 0.37; and Si, 0.41. These results are similar to the previously reported O2 and N2O indices of flammability with propane-torch ignition. This study validates the concept that the indices of flammability are useful measures of endotracheal tube flammability and are independent of the ignition source.

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