Vapometer

Waiver Rationale Summary

A TEWL measuring device is needed to support an ongoing NIOSH National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) project – “Investigating Cytokine & Other Biomarkers in Skin Post Exposure to Drilling Fluids,” wherein changes to skin models will be observed after application of oil and gas drilling fluids to make proper recommendations regarding the control of exposures. The vapometer from Delfin measures TEWL as well as the evaporation rate. The Delfin vapometer is the only reasonable available source that can meet all of CBMB’s required salient characteristics for a TEWL measuring device, as follows: adaptable instrument that can measure TEWL; can measure in both in-vitro (lab) and in-vivo (body) settings; equipped with special adapters that allows for testing in 6 well plates, 96 wellplates, and Franz cells (9mm), etc.; closed chambered to eliminate interferences from surrounding air, especially if the instrument is taken into the dynamic environment of an oil and gas site in multiple states (outdoors); And portable and battery operated (no cord) in order to take to multiple sites, which would allow for in-vivo studies in outdoor settings. The Delfin vapometer provides: a patented unique design that has a core with a sensitive humidity sensor in a close cylindrical chamber to prevent bias from airflow; a special design that enables testing format flexibility by permitting the instrument to be applied to different body sites (in-vivo) and in-vitro testing; measures the evaporation rate of water and displays the measurement result, as well as the ambient relative humidity and the ambient temperature within 10 seconds, which will reduce the time to generate data from experiments and increase throughput for data collection; battery powered portable device that can be carried easily into the field; and equipped with in-vitro adapters with different outer orifice diameters for use with both skin models and Franz cell permeability studies, which satisfies combability concerns with existing Franz cell equipment and tissue culture diameter. The vapometer offered by Delfin is the only stand-alone instrument identified that offers a portable, battery operated, closed system TEWL measurement device that can be used at any angle, contains appropriate size adaptors for in-vitro work, and can be serviced in the United States. This instrument will provide the necessary features to evaluate dermal water loss in the skin after exposure to harsh chemical mixtures such as oil and gas drilling fluids.