The relationship between the airway resistance (Raw) and airborne concentra tion of pollutants (PAHs, sulphates and nitrates) has been determined in workers from various locations in a rubber factory. The highest Raw values were detected in workers from the compounding unit, where the constituents of tyres were mixed. These workers also had the most frequent and severe respiratory symptoms, and their chest X-ray records showed multiple opaci ties. Workers with more than 6 years' experience in the plant exhibit increased Raw values relative to those with less experience. The highest concentrations of sulphates and nitrates in the respirable fraction also occurred in the com pounding unit.
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