Occupational COPD—The most under‐recognized occupational lung disease?

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is caused by exposure to noxious particles and gases. Smoking is the main risk factor, but other factors are also associated with COPD. Occupational exposure to vapours, gases, dusts and fumes contributes to the development and progression of COPD, accounting for a population attributable fraction of 14%. Workplace pollutants, in particular inorganic dust, can initiate airway damage and inflammation, which are the hallmarks of COPD pathogenesis. Occupational COPD is still underdiagnosed, mainly due to the challenges of assessing the occupational component of the disease in clinical settings, especially if other risk factors are present. There is a need for specific education and training for clinicians, and research with a focus on evaluating the role of occupational exposure in causing COPD. Early diagnosis and identification of occupational causes is very important to prevent further decline in lung function and to reduce the health and socio‐economic burden of COPD. Establishing details of the occupational history by general practitioners or respiratory physicians could help to define the occupational burden of COPD for individual patients, providing the first useful interventions (smoking cessation, best therapeutic management, etc.). Once patients are diagnosed with occupational COPD, there is a wide international variation in access to specialist occupational medicine and public health services, along with limitations in workplace and income support. Therefore, a strong collaboration between primary care physicians, respiratory physicians and occupational medicine specialists is desirable to help manage COPD patients' health and social issues.

Impact of Previous Occupational Exposure on Outcomes of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

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Chronic respiratory diseases and respiratory symptoms after a mining dam rupture: Brumadinho Health Project

“…Asthma and COPD have multifactorial causes and are associated with exposure factors related to the occupational or home environment (tobacco and wood smoke), unfavorable socioeconomic status, and genetic factors [7][8][9][10] . According to the literature, air polluting agents are related to lung diseases and respiratory symptoms 11 .…”

Evaluation of Risk Factors for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in the Middle-Aged and Elderly Rural Population of Northeast China Using Logistic Regression and Principal Component Analysis

“… 4 The prevalence of COPD differs between countries, reflecting the diverse age composition of the population, genetic predispositions, healthcare resources, and various exposure to risk factors. 5 The prevalence of COPD is almost 4% of the global population. 6 Prevalence rises to 10% among people aged 40 and older.…”