ABSTRACT
The heat and water produced by the reaction of soda lime and water are said to be beneficial in that they warm and partially humidify the inspired gases. It is, however, possible to achieve high temperatures in the centre of a soda lime canister which cannot be felt on the outside. At temperatures above 60°C trichloroethylene is decomposed first to dichloroacetylene and then to phosgene, both of which are highly toxic. This agent, although no longer available for anaesthetic practice, must never be used with soda lime.
