Characterization of a hooded human exposure apparatus for inhalation of gases and aerosols.
A human exposure apparatus was designed to administer a gas and/or aerosol directly to the subject's face. This apparatus utilized a hood associated with a powered air-purifying respirator. The design criteria included the need to maximize subject comfort, maintain consistent atmospheres of a gas or dust within the hood, and the accurate use of direct-reading instruments to monitor exposure levels. An 83-L drum was used to pre-mix the gas or aerosol with the main dilution air prior to entering the hood worn by the subject. A clear plastic oxygen tent, ventilated with room exhaust air, was used to contain contaminants exiting the hood. Bypass valves were added to allow for a startup period during which contaminant concentration levels were allowed to stabilize prior to exposing the human subject. Results from characterization studies demonstrated that the system adequately contained contaminants within the oxygen tent, provided adequate mixing of contaminant and dilution air, produced stable contaminant concentrations over time, and was responsive to sudden changes in contaminant generation rate.