Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a gas mask filter element comprising, ple supply means for supplying a test sample, a filter element box for containing a gas mask filter element, said element box having a sample inlet connected to said sample means for supplying a test sample to a filter element in the element box to form an effluent in the box, and an effluent outlet for discharging the effluent from the box. An inhalation chamber defining a space and having an effluent inlet connected to said effluent outlet for supplying effluent into said space, said inhalation chamber having a chamber outlet for discharging effluent from said space. At least one plethysmographic box connected to said inhalation chamber for receiving a test animal and having an opening communicating with said space through which the head of a test animal can pass into said inhalation chamber space.

Abstract: A 75-liter plexiglass chamber has been constructed to simultaneously expose 0 rats to a test vapor. Each rat is confined in a small plexiglass plethysmographic box attached to the large chamber. During exposure, the respiration rate, tidal volume, body temperature, pH, and blood gases are measured. A sample of the blood may be used to measure the amount of a volatile test chemical reaching the blood or to measure blood pCO.sub.2 pO.sub.2, and pH. This apparatus optimizes animal usage by permitting many sequential measurements on a minimum number of test animals. Since the animals are exposed simultaneously, the interanimal variations in exposure are minimized.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing the performance of a sample charcoal orbent material. The apparatus comprises means for supplying a gaseous sample containing toxic contaminants to a filtering means. The filtering means includes a filter tube containing a sample charcoal adsorbent material for adsorbing the toxic contaminants. Chemical analysis means are included for detecting toxic contaminants remaining in the gaseous effluent from the filtering means. Test animal chambers are also provided for exposing test animals contained therein to the gaseous effluent to determine the toxic effects and breathing rate changes on the test animals caused by toxic or irritating contaminants remaining in the gaseous effluent.