Mechanical and chemical mechanisms may act synergistically to degrade the mechanical properties of polymers. This synergism should be considered during design of components for sustained loads in hostile environments. If these polymers are to be used as load-bearing structural elements in automobile and industrial environments, they are likely to be simultaneously exposed to such environments and stress. These studies explore the deleterious effects of gaseous pollutants (e.g. NOx in air) and mechanical stress on polymers. This research included studies on nylon-6 and composites of nylon-6 yams embedded in a bis-A-phenolic resin with an amine curing agent, as well as single fibers and yarns of poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) (DuPont Kevlar 49) as bare fibers and also embedded in an epoxy matrix. The protective effect of embedding fibers in the epoxy matrix was demonstrated. NOx concentrations were varied between 0 and 1.5%. The sustained loads during exposure were in the range of 50 to 80 percent of the ultimate stress short term load carrying capability of the fibers. Exposure times varied from several minutes to months. Electron spin resonance spectroscopy (ESR) is used in these studies to explore the kinetics of bond rupture and how they relate to the environmental and stress loading histories in nylon. Kevlar 49 degradation studies were conducted by measuring times required for sample failure in NOx concentrations at various stress levels. Preliminary studies on the single fibers indicate a stress-NOx synergism over the range of stresses (48 and 77% of ultimate) and 0.1 and 1.5% gas concentrations. Yarn samples exhibited this synergism over a wide range of stresses (40 to 80% of ultimate). Bare yam degradation was accelerated by NOx concentrations in air as low as 0.1%. We view these effects as having practical technological significance since these lower NOx concentrations approach the level of emissions from exhaust from older model automobiles.