Recent progress in cot death research

Abstract: The primary cause of cot death is probably Generation of phosphine, arsine, stibine and related toxic gases through biodeterioration of mattress materials containing phosphorus, arsenic and antimony in fire retardant and preservative components. The most important poisoning effect is an anticholinesterase action, initially causing headache and irritability, but in extreme cases causing death by cardiac failure. Whether infants are unaffected or suffer irritation, illness or death depends on contributory factors; sleeping in the prone position and hyperthermia due to overwrapping being most significant.

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