The Monitoring and Generation of Standard Atmospheres of Nitrogen Dioxide for Inhalation Studies: Problems and Solutions

Abstract

Nitrogen dioxide inhalation exposures are used to evaluate the biological mechanisms and dose-response of animals to known concentrations of nitrogen dioxide. This paper describes generation techniques which have been evaluated and the final method using a Teflon bag-pump system chosen for safety, reproducibility, and stability. Also included are the problems and solutions of using a chemiluminescent NO₂ analyzer for monitoring chamber concentrations. The problems typically are related to stability, and the recommended solution is to use an NO₂ permeation system for calibration.