[Microclimate and air composition in a closed chamber meant for the study of the toxicity of atmospheric pollutants for the piglet].

An experimental model representing the pollution background in a pigpen was constructed in order to study the toxicology of pig respiratory air pollutants. Temperature, relative humidity, air-flow rate, total dust, total viable particles, endotoxins in respirable dust (< 5 microns) and ammonia were measured in a 1.9 m3 environmental chamber designed for piglets. The activity of 1 piglet was recorded on video. Temperature and relative humidity were respectively 23.9 +/- 1.3 degrees C and 70.5 +/- 8.3% (mean +/- SD). Air flow rate was 10 m3/h. Dust, viable particles, endotoxin and ammonia concentrations were respectively 7 +/- 2 particles/ml, 3.4 x 10(4) +/- 2.9 x 10(4) BCFP (bacterial colony-forming particles)/m3, 4.8 +/- 1.5 ng/m3 and 6 +/- 0.8 ppm (mean +/- SD). All these parameters were comparable to the lowest values recorded in pigpens.