A new whole-body exposure chamber for human skin and lung challenge experiments - the generation of wheat flour aerosols

A new whole-body exposure chamber for human skin and lung challenge offers possibilities for experimental exposure challenges carried out in clinical practice, for exposure of patients, in research and for investigations of the effects of exposure on the skin and in the respiratory tract. The chamber system can be used for both aerosols and gases, Dynamically controlled, the chamber is relatively easy to operate and to clean. Air exchange rates can be varied between 6-12/h, Initial studies with wheat flour have been carried out. The homogeneity and stability of the wheat flour aerosol concentration (the spatial and the temporal variation) inside the chamber can be kept at acceptable levels. (C) 1998 British Occupational Hygiene Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.