Inhalation Exposure Technologies

Abstract

Inhalation exposure systems are necessary to conduct controlled experiments of various test atmospheres. Inhalation toxicology experiments involve such controlled exposures either using whole animals, humans, or cultured cells. Inhalation exposure systems need to be designed and used very carefully to achieve the desirable endpoint. Exposure of subjects requires a dependable gas or aerosol delivery system and adequate monitoring instruments to insure proper temperature, humidity, air flow, and atmosphere concentration. Inhalation exposure systems range in size and complexity from simple blow by systems for small animals or cells to whole body chambers for controlled human experiments that can be 20-70 cubic meters in size. Samples of such systems are listed in Table 6-1.

Table 6-1. Various inhalation exposure systems

Blow-by system

Easy to control

Continuous Measure of minute ventilation (VE)

Mouthpiece or mask exposure

(Unrealistic,artificial breathing)

Whole body chamber

Unencumbered breathing

Very expensive

Head Dome

Unencumbered breathing Inexpensive

With care can measure VE