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In 1992, an isolation campaign (EXEMSI'92) was organised by ESA at DLR premises (Deutsche Forschunganstalt fuer Luft und Raumfahrt). An hyperbaric chamber was used to isolate 4 subjects for 61 days. In the scientific programme of this campaign, a few experiments were dedicated to study volatile organic compounds present in human breath and environment. This paper describes briefly these different contamination experiments, and details the qualitative and quantitative results. Emphasis is made on a method used to identify and measure bioeffluents in human breath and to determine metabolic production rates. Discussion focusses on observed variations and tries to make some comparisons/correlations between results. Recommendations are made for the monitoring and control of atmospheric volatile contamination during space flights.

Six volunteers were selected and submitted at regular intervals throughout a 46-day control experiment in a climatic chamber to a large number of biological investigations (respiratory function, acid-base balance, circulatory function, biochemical determinations on blood and urine specimens) as well as psychomotor tests. The results obtained clearly indicate that two kinds of adaptation occur: the first occurring during the first 2-3 days of confinement essentially marked by a significant increase of urinary volume and electrolyte output; the second, throughout the experiment mainly consists of a slight and progressive decrease of red blood cell count and plasma potassium. Other parameter changes were well within range of the measuring technique's accuracy and physiological background; except for urinary calcium output which still remained elevated. Finally, confinement failed to induce any significant degradation in psychomotor performances in spite of a sensation of fatigue.