Simulation Testing

What simulation testing capabilities does C&IH offer?

Product exposure assessment and workplace and work practice simulation testing
Retrospective, current, and prospective exposure assessments for asbestos-containing materials, solvents, industrial enzymes, welding fumes, and other substances
State-of-the-art simulation chamber facility designed in-house by certified industrial hygienists (CIH) and professional engineer (PE)
Airborne particle and fiber size distribution analysis

If there is an uncertainty whether a possible exposure can or has occurred in a workplace which no longer exists or has become inaccessible, C&IH can perform an exposure characterization and assessment utilizing our simulation study test chamber. When on-site testing is not feasible or containment of an agent is necessary, our simulation testing facility can be used to simulate or reconstruct the environment and exposure in question. Our simulation study test chamber is designed to allow specific workplace processes and work details to be incorporated into exposure reconstructions.

Simulation testing is conducted by a C&IH team of laboratory-experienced professionals with degrees in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, toxicology, microbiology, and engineering, as well as certified industrial hygienists (CIH) and board certified toxicologists (DABT). These qualifications allow C&IH to provide our simulation study clients with an experienced team to produce results that will sustain against peer review and challenge.

C&IH also has existing teaming relationships with allied professionals including occupational health physicians and physical, chemical, and biological laboratories. The C&IH simulation testing staff, alone or in conjunction with our team of allied professionals, has the expertise and capabilities necessary to accomplish virtually any product exposure testing, workplace simulation, or contaminant exposure assessment.

Simulation Testing Performed By C&IH

Simulation studies of gastric and lung fluid dissolution of respirable and other sized particles to assist in bioavailability and dose reconstruction
Particle sizing and physical and chemical analysis to determine unique physical and chemical compositional characteristics related to respiratory entrainment, potential lung deposition, and solubility characteristics
Size-specific aerosol generation for particulate collection and analysis in support of dust and fume studies
Evaluation of engineering control measures for crystalline silica associated with sandblasting, and simulation testing in homes to reconstruct exposures following nearby sandblasting
Workplace simulation testing of asbestos exposures associated with products and with manufacturing, handling, installation, and removal processes
Tracer gas simulation studies within existing buildings and workplaces to determine contaminant dispersion pathways and to characterize building occupant exposures during past uncontrolled contaminant releases
Local exhaust ventilation testing to determine contaminant dispersion, entrainment and suppression, and fume hood optimization to minimize worker exposure
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and one and two-zone modeling, to assist in simulation study design, validate testing results, determine relative concentrations of contaminants in workplaces and other areas, and optimize engineering controls