Inhalation Exposure Facility (IEF)
The objectives of the inhalation exposure core are to: expose animals or in vitro preparations to selected types and concentrations of air pollutants, accurately and in a carefully controlled manner; provide logistical and technical support in ensuring experimental regimens are implemented correctly; develop methods of inhalation exposure and atmosphere characterization; and develop methods of allergen characterization and assess allergic exposure response. (Pictured above: house dust mites).
Investigators are not limited to only those services that are listed below. If you do not see your desired service, please contact the Inhalation Exposure Facility directly and inquire about the custom fabrication of exposure apparatus/systems.
Test Atmospheres
- Gasses: ozone, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide
- Aerosols: dust-mite allergen, endotoxin, ethylene combustion products including ultrafine particles (both low and high PAH modes), ovalbumin allergen, immunostimulatory sequence DNA, budesonide (inhaled steroid), respiratory syncytial virus, mouse influenza virus, CF genes in adenoviral vectors or liposomes, simulated “particulate matter” as ammonium nitrate and carbon, diluted cigarette smoke, fluorescent microspheres, ammonium nitrate, ammonium persulfate, ammonium sulfate, bacterial aerosols, concanavalin A, ferrous sulfate, fly ash, iron oxide, nitric acid, penicillamine, sodium chromate, sodium sulfite, sulfuric acid, wood smoke, zinc oxide, zinc sulfate, zinc sulfite
Exposure Systems Available
- 0.44, 0.55, 3.5, 4.2, 5.2 m3 stainless steel inhalation chambers
- Cigarette smoke room
- Clean air room with chemical, bacteriological and radiological (CBR) air filtration
- Concurrent flow spirometry aerosol inhalation system
- Oxygen and ozone inhalation system
- Inhalated steroid delivery system
- PennCentury MicroSprayer
- In vitro exposure system
- Isolated-perfused lung exposure system
- Nose-only rodent exposure system
- Cigarette smoke generator
- Electronic cigarette vapor generator
Monitoring Equipment Available
- Ultraviolet ozone analyzers
- Nitrogen analyzer
- Dynamic dilution calibrator
- Sulfur analyzers
- Carbon monoxide analyzers
- Proportional controller systems
- Multiple chamber gas samplers
- Data acquisition system
Characterization Equipment Available
- Total filter
- Inertial impaction
- Ion chromatograph
- Photometer
- Optical particle counter
- Mass monitor
- Electrostatic precipitator
- Condensation particle counter
- Diffusion battery
Custom services are available. Please contact the IEC to inquire about custom services.
Rates
The University has established hourly recharge rates for trained Inhalation Exposure Core personnel. Costs will vary based on the services, equipment, and experimental protocol used. Access our rates (PDF).