Occupational Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Yıl 2017, Volume 2, Issue 1(4), 4 - 4, 01.11.2017

Ersin Nazlıcan Mehmet Gökdeniz Muhsin Akbaba

Öz

Chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic disease characterized by
progressive and irreversible obstructive pulmonary functional impairment. COPD,
which is a common, preventable, and treatable disease in its early stages, is
an important respiratory cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Therefore
it is an important public health issue.

Although smoking is a leading risk factor for COPD, other factors can influence
the development and progression of the disease. Occupational exposure is
considered one of the risk factors for COPD and many studies have demonstrated
its contribution to the development of COPD. In population-based studies,
15–20% of overall COPD was attributable to occupational exposure. There are
some studies reporting the relationship between the risk of COPD and exposure
to airborne irritants, including vapors, gases, dusts, fumes, fibers and mists
(VGDFFiM).

Though limited evidence from population-based studies demonstrating incidence
of spirometric-defined COPD in association with occupational respirable
exposures there are considerable researches claim this association.

Mehta et al found that occupational exposures to biological dusts, mineral
dusts, gases/fumes, and VGDF were associated with incidence of COPD of at least
moderate severity in a Swiss cohort.

Würtz et al claimed that occupational organic dust exposure was associated to
the prevalence of COPD in a Danish cohort.

Ryu et al suggested that exposure to vapors, gases, dusts, fumes was associated
with a higher risk of COPD.

In a study made by Marescaux et al, findings supported a positive impact of
farm modernity on COPD prevalence in dairy farmers. Occupational and
smoking-related risk factors were found to be of nearly the same magnitude.

Given these results the policy decisions are needed in order to reduce the
chronic pulmonary diseases caused by occupational exposure of VDGFFiMs and
furthermore better quantification studies are recommended.

 

 

Keywords: COPD,
occupational disease, employee health

Anahtar Kelimeler

Occupational Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Kaynakça

• Ersin Nazlıcan, Mehmet Gökdeniz, Muhsin Akbaba cukurova university faculty of medicine, public health department