Studies of the temporal and spatial distribution of aerosols in multi-tiered inhalation exposure chambers.

Two multi-tiered whole body inhalation exposure chambers with nominal volumes of 1 m3 (H-1000) and 2 m3 (H-2000) were evaluated for their performance in terms of the temporal and spatial distribution of test aerosols within the chamber. Parameters investigated included chamber type, single-chamber-single-aerosol generator versus two-chamber-single-aerosol generator systems, chamber air supply and exhaust systems, particle size, and aerosol diluter type. Results indicated that: 1) particle size has an effect on chamber aerosol concentration distribution, with the larger particle resulting in a higher variation; 2) the single-chamber-single-generator system is more stable than the two-chamber-single-generator system; 3) the H-2000 chamber has a lower aerosol spatial variability than the H-1000 chamber; and 4) the aerosol distribution within the chamber could be improved with the use of a newly designed diluter.