An Aerosol Inhalation Apparatus for Human Single Breath Deposition Studies

Abstract
Single breath studies designed to measure deposition of monodisperse aerosols in human subjects required specialized apparatus for the measurement of inhaled and exhaled aerosol. An apparatus was constructed consisting of a three-way valve system and anesthesia bags to contain aerosol before inhalation and after exhalation. The bags were enclosed in boxes which were connected to a spirometer which recorded volumes. The entire system was automated so that the subject inhaled (mouth breathing) a preset volume of aerosol and exhaled a preset, larger volume of air from his lungs. Volumes were controlled by a rider on the spirometer wire which activated a group of solenoid driven valves. Quantities of aerosol in the bags were determined by integrating the photocurrent from an aerosol photometer when a bag was emptied through the photometer.