Not Just a Smoker’s Disease: COPD and Occupational Exposure

This post was written by Jonnie Korinko, MSRC, RRT, RRT-ACCS.

Exposure to airborne irritants in the workplace can heighten the risk of developing COPD.^1-3 Approximately 15% of individuals with COPD link their symptoms to work-related pollutants.¹ These include dust from coal, silica, or wood; fumes from welding or asphalt; and smoke or other irritating chemicals. Consequently, occupations in fields like construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and public service, such as firefighting, pose a greater risk to lung health. Therefore, health care providers and employers need to take action to safeguard these workers.

COPD Can Raise Employer Costs

People living with COPD have medical costs about twice as high as people without COPD.⁴ Chronic lung disease can also lead to loss of productivity in the workforce:^4-5

• On average, people with chronic lung disease miss about five days of work annually.
• It is estimated that there is about a 10% productivity loss.
• On average, there are over 25 days of restricted activity.
• The estimated cost of disability due to COPD is $1,771.

What You Can Do to Make an Impact

If Your Job is High-Risk for Developing Lung Damage

• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks and respirators, to reduce exposure to airborne particles.
• If you smoke, consider joining a smoking cessation program to mitigate other causes of lung damage.
• If you experience symptoms, seek care immediately. These may include:
  • Shortness of breath while working or moving around
  • Increased coughing
  • A wheezing or whistling sound in your chest
• Attend health screenings regularly, especially those that include lung function testing, such as spirometry.
• Consult your health care provider about strategies to limit your exposure.

If You Have a Patient Who Works in a High-Risk Job

• Make sure that occupational history is incorporated into every patient assessment.
  • Understand the specific industries in your region and how they affect the health of patients employed there.
• For patients in high-risk occupations, provide education on reducing exposure to hazardous materials and recognizing concerning symptoms.
  • Promote using personal protective equipment (PPE) during work and offer guidance on smoking cessation to help mitigate lung damage when relevant.

If You're an Employer

• Conduct risk assessments in the workplace to identify factors that could elevate the risk of lung disease.
• Provide training for employees who frequently handle toxic fumes or particles on the associated risks, safe handling of hazardous materials, and the correct usage of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Motivate employees to undergo regular health checks, which should include screenings to detect early indicators of lung disease.
• Implement policies that promote the well-being of your employees.
  • Foster a smoke-free work environment and confine smoking to designated areas away from building entrances.
  • Mandate respiratory protection for employees who are exposed to airborne contaminants that may irritate their airways.
  • Arrange clinics to offer employees vaccinations and screening for chronic conditions, including lung function assessments.

People working in high-risk jobs can take proactive measures to reduce the risk of lung damage. Health care professionals and employers can assist them in safeguarding their lungs effectively.