What can happen if backflow prevention is not properly maintained?

If backflow prevention is not properly maintained, potential gas contamination becomes a significant risk. Backflow prevention devices are designed to ensure that gases flow in a single, designated direction within a medical gas system. When these devices fail or are not properly maintained, there is a chance that contaminated air or gases could flow back into the medical gas supply. This contamination poses serious health risks to patients, as they may receive gases that are not pure or are mixed with harmful substances.

Maintaining backflow prevention is crucial for the integrity of the medical gas system, ensuring that only safe and unadulterated gases are delivered to patients. The other options revolve around outcomes that are positive, such as comfort, effectiveness, and longevity; however, they do not directly relate to the critical safety issue posed by inadequate backflow prevention.