Early history and rationale for outdoor chamber work at the University of North Carolina

The University of North Carolina (UNC) outdoor chamber facility was established in 1972. The chamber produces reliable and interpretable results using ambient sunlight, temperature and weather, providing an effective physical model system for learning about atmospheric chemistry. This article recounts the 40-year history of the chamber facility, from the early days in understanding ozone precursor relationship to the latest in studying gas and particulate toxicities on human lung cells.