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From: Eric Mallow
Date: Thu, 17 Oct 1996 09:53:04 -0400
Subject: Valves: Warning

Hi,

With the recent increase in discussion about applying
valves to harmonicas at home, and after trying it myself,
I have the following observations and warning to make.
The valves covering the draw reeds lie inside the hole,
as opposed to the valves over the blow reeds. If the draw
valves are not glued totally securely, there is a significant
risk of a valve breaking loose and being aspirated deep into
the airways during a vigorous draw breath. Since the valve
is very small, thin, and flexible, it would become tightly
adherent to the airway mucosa by surface tension, and would
be difficult to find and extract by bronchoscopy. The possible
complications are significant. In addition, stiffer valves
made from overhead projector film, or similar material, would
be very sharp, and could cause airway trauma.
Be sure that the glue that is used is the strongest possible,
and that all surfaces are clean, and free of grease and finger-
prints prior to adhesion. Superglue would likely be best, and
rubber cement is a poor choice. Also, allow sufficient time for
maximum adhesion prior to trying the modified harmonica. If a thin
plastic film is used for the valve, greatest security would be
achieved by wrapping the anchoring end of it around the edge of
the reed plate.
It may be that no one has experienced a valve breaking loose,
but the risk is real.


Eric Mallow, M.D.