THE IGNITION RISK WITH MIXTURES OF OXYGEN AND NITROUS OXIDE WITH HALOTHANE

To enable the effect of pressure on the flammability of halothanewith oxygen and with mixtures of oxygen and nitrous oxide tobe studied, the work at atmospheric pressure already reportedin the literature has been extended to find the effect of differenttypes of ignition sources. Particular attention has been paidto those types of ignition most likely to be present when halothaneis in use, such as the cautery and the diathermy knife. Theresults indicate that even with the most flammable mixturesthere is no risk of ignition provided the concentrations ofhalothane recommended for use are not gready exceeded. Furtherwork designed to determine the limiting conditions more preciselywill be reported at a later date. ^*Dr. G. Morris died before submission of this paper.