British Study Links COPD to Industrial Work

Industrial workers have a higher-than-expected rate of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a recent study published in the European Respiratory Journal. The study examined the lung conditions of factory workers, ship builders, coal miners and those who have been exposed to asbestos, paint or other dust and fumes.

Surveying more than 7,500 randomly selected Northeast England residents ages 45 to 69, the study found that more than half of respondents suffered from some form of chronic respiratory symptoms. These symptoms included coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, which can all be signs of COPD.

Further, of the 845 survey respondents who underwent simple breathing tests, 11% were found to be suffering from COPD, while those with a history of occupational exposures were approximately 50% more likely to report respiratory symptoms compared to those who had not been exposed.

Respondents working in industrial fields were one-fifth more likely to suffer from COPD. However, this number is likely to be far higher than currently recognized, according to researchers. That is because while coal miners are known to develop COPD as a result of their exposure to coal dust, much less is known about the effects of other occupational exposures.

Researchers point out that while smoking was a factor, it did not explain the full extent of the problems they uncovered.

Click Here to Access the Study from the European Respiratory Journal