Polyurethane paranoia flexible friend or deadly foe?
One of the most versatile of all materials used in medical devices has been under a cloud of suspicion for a few years, because of concerns about degradability and carcinogenicity. There is considerable confusion about the exact nature of polyurethanes and the extent of the problem. This article attempts to explain the essentials of polyurethane chemistry and put these concerns into perspective.
Williams
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Clinical Engineering Department, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, UK.
D000818:Animals; D015197:Carcinogenicity Tests; D004869:Equipment Safety; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry