A custom-built low-cost chamber for exposing rodents to e-cigarette aerosol: practical considerations. (15th October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hilpert, Markus; Ilievski, Vesna; Coady, Maxine; Andrade-Gutierrez, Maria; Yan, Beizhan; Chillrud, Steven N.; Navas-Acien, Ana; Kleiman, Norman J.
• Is Part Of: Inhalation toxicology. Volume 31:Number 11/12(2019)
• Page Start: 399
• Page End: 408
• Publication Date: 2019-10-15
• Subjects: E-cigarette -- exposure chamber -- vaping machine -- puff topography -- open-source electronics platform -- Arduino -- design -- animal studies; Pulmonary toxicology -- Animal models -- Periodicals; Pulmonary toxicology -- Periodicals; Air -- Pollution -- Health aspects -- Periodicals; 616.200471
• DOI: 10.1080/08958378.2019.1698678
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0895-8378

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: To (1) design and build a low-cost exposure chamber system for whole-body exposure of rodents to electronic cigarette aerosol, (2) provide detailed instructions with particular focus on automated e-cigarette activation, and (3) develop a simple mathematical model for aerosol levels in the exposure chamber. Methods: We built the system with standard laboratory equipment and an open-source electronics platform (Arduino) for e-cigarette activation. Arduino is used to control a solenoid, which pushes the activation button of so-called "Mod" e-cigarettes, and a pump to move the aerosol from the mouthpiece of the e-cigarette into the chamber. For "Pods" and "Cigalikes, " the solenoid is not used as they are activated by the vacuum created by the pump. Aerosol concentrations were measured with a light-scattering laser photometer. Results: The system allows varying the air exchange rate, monitoring aerosol levels, and programing arbitrary puff topography. Aerosol concentrations observed for different chamber operating conditions (puff time and period, e-cigarette power output, air exchange rate) were consistent with the mathematical model. Conclusions: Our low-cost exposure chamber can be used in animal experimental studies of the health effects of e-cigarettes. Our model allows estimating design parameters such as chamber volume, air exchange rate, and puff period.