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The first step in verifying the design of the rodent Research Animal Holding Facility (RAHF) as a barrier to environmental contaminants was successfully completed at NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) during a 12-day bio-compatibility test. Environmental contaminants considered were solid particulates, microorganisms, ammonia, and odor-producing organics. The 12-day test at ARC was conducted in August 1988, and was designed to verify that the rodent RAHF system would adequately support and maintain animal specimens during normal system operations. Additional objectives of this test were to demonstrate that: 1) typical particulate debris produced by the animal, i.e., feces and food bar crumbs, would be captured by the system; 2) microorganisms would be contained; and 3) the passage of odor-producing organics and ammonia generated by the animals was adequately controlled. In addition, the amount of carbon dioxide exhausted by the RAHF system was to be quantified.