Controlled Exposure Facility (Director: Carol Trenga)

The purpose of this facility is to provide controlled exposure to combustion-derived particles and complex air pollution mixtures, such as diesel exhaust, for use in toxicology experiments with either human or animal subjects. The facility is constructed and being characterized, and now available for NW PM Center studies in humans and animals. Using a 5.9 L Cummins diesel engine and a specialized exhaust dilution system we can generate and control exposures ranging from 0 to 400µg/m3 of DEP as PM2.5. We also have extensive capability to characterize particle and gas exposures, as we have previously described in our proposals and in additional documentation to EPA. In Year 6 we propose funding to continue maintaining the facility to conduct exposure sessions, especially in studies funded by the NW PM Center such as those of Drs. Kavanagh and Kaufman. By providing a system for generating a realistic inhalational exposure to an important source of urban ambient particles, this core provides a platform for exploring mechanisms of PM health effects. We will also continue maintaining the Controlled Exposure Facility to conduct exposure sessions for exploring mechanisms of PM health effects.

For more information, contact:

Joel Kaufman - Principal Investigator

Carol Trenga - Director

Tim Gould or Jim Stewart - Engineer/Research Scientist

Jamie Mieras - Research Study Coordinator