Does your job put you at risk of developing the lung condition chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD?
“Although many workplaces may expose workers to risk factors for a lung disease like COPD, the most common job types include those in agriculture, mining and manufacturing,” according to the American Lung Association.
The association provides these examples of workplace exposure:
- Asphalt, tar fumes or vapor in roads or roofing
- Diesel or exhaust fumes
- Mineral dusts such as silica, coal or asbestos
- Organic dusts such as cotton, wood or grains
- Welding or metal fumes such as cadmium
- Secondhand smoke
- Smoke from fires
Symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath; a cough accompanied by mucus; wheezing; fatigue; and recurring lung infections, including bronchitis.
“Employers should identify, reduce or remove exposures to hazards that put workers at risk of developing respiratory conditions like COPD,” ALA says. Additional tips:
- Wear respirators and other personal protective equipment as needed.
- If you smoke, consider quitting. ALA’s Freedom From Smoking program provides resources to help.
- If you don’t smoke but are exposed via co-workers, talk to your employer about establishing a tobacco-free workplace.
- Tell your employer if you’re experiencing trouble breathing or suspect an indoor air quality issue.
Want to learn more about COPD? You can take a free training course on ALA’s website.
