Lung function findings in workers in the rubber industry

: Chronic obstructive lung disease is common in workers in the rubber industry. Because of the close relation between hyperreactivity of the airways (HR) and the annual decline in FEV1 we measured HR in 89 healthy workers of a big rubber plant. Three groups were formed (control, latex production, rubber production). The prevalence of HR was that of a healthy general population (PC 20 FEV1 less than 0.2% Methacholin in 3 cases). In the lower Methacholin range a separation between all groups was possible.