A Mobile Exposure Chamber for Challenge Tests to the Human Respiratory Tract

Abstract

In a newly built workplace a high proportion of the staff experienced nasal, pharyngeal, and ocular irritation; tiredness; and headache. They suspected the glue in the new flooring to be the cause of the symptoms. The present study was designed to investigate whether the components of the floor were responsible for the symptoms reported by the staff. The study design was experimental. Using a mobile exposure chamber (0.5 m³), three workers were exposed to off-gas emissions to determine their response. To simulate the emission of vapors at the workplace, part of the workplace floor was broken into pieces and placed in the chamber. Ambient air and floor vapor exposures were performed at temperatures of 21° and 25°C. Samples from the chamber were collected and analyzed. Benzyl alcohol, an irritant present in the flooring material, was used as a marker for liberation of vapors. Symptoms were reported by the subjects, and an otorhinolaryngologist examined the participants before and after each exposure. The results showed that the experimental exposure did not induce any symptoms or signs. Nevertheless, the exposure chamber fulfilled the purpose of generating concentrations of benzyl alcohol found at the workplace and performing adequate challenge tests.