EXPOSURE LIMITS FOR CHIMPANZEES AT NEAR VACUUM FOLLOWING RAPID DECOMPRESSION.
Abstract
Six chimpanzees were decompressed from 179 mm Hg (breathing 100 percent oxygen) to less than 2 mm Hg in 0.8 seconds and remained at this pressure altitude 180 or 240 seconds. Following repressurization within 30 seconds, using 100 percent oxygen, to 179 mm Hg, subjects were maintained at this pressure altitude for a minimum of 4 hours. Four subjects did not survive the experimental conditions. Results of these decompressions which were the concluding tests in a series of 24 decompressions conducted over the last 4 years demonstrate that a 3-minute tenure at near vacuum constitutes the maximum safe exposure limit. Complex behavioral tasks, physiological parameters (ECG, respiration, and skin temperature), cortical and deep implant EEG data, as well as detailed physical examinations seem to confirm previous findings, that exposure to near vacuum either results in death or in complete recovery with no apparent long term detrimental effects as determined by behavioral tasks. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0704888
Entities
People
- Alfred G. Koestler