Exposure Laboratory

Status:

ongoing

Aims:

In the Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance (IPA) exposure laboratory (ExpoLab), quality-assured human short-time inhalation studies can be performed in order to clarify the fundamental mechanisms involved in the cause and development of occupational diseases. The technology permits exposures to hazardous chemicals, particles or allergens. Two separate ventilation circuits also enable co-exposures to be simulated. A broad range of methods permit objective and quantitative investigation into local and systemic effects. A decisive advantage of the ExpoLab compared to examinations at the workplace is the precisely adjustable level of exposure and its comprehensive monitoring. Furthermore, unwanted co-exposures to other hazardous substances can be excluded, which is seldom possible at the workplace. The safety of the volunteer study subjects is assured by continuous redundant exposure measurements, which are also documented in conjunction with the responsible ethics committee of the Ruhr University.

Activities/Methods:

Use of different methods, depending on the question.

Results:

Studies performed under controlled exposure conditions yield valuable findings for the prevention of acute and chronic diseases caused by particles and hazardous substances, particularly for the setting of exposure limits.

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