This study was conducted in order to identify and quantify a range of pollu tants (total inhalable dust, respirable dust, alkaline content, anions and inor ganic gases) emitted from supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) systems, commonly known as 'airbags' and to investigate between-type, and between- test variability. Arrays of samplers were located inside a test vehicle and the SIR system was triggered electronically to simulate deployment in a crash. Exposure to agents which may cause respiratory ill effects is discussed in the context of the utility of SIR systems. Possible modifications to currently used SIR systems are also discussed.
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