Abstract

The research found consistent associations between workplace exposures across a wide range of sectors and the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) independently of or in concert with cigarette smoking. Aim of the paper was to present results of several studies on the frequency of COPD among workers from different sectors (bricklayers, cotton workers, grain workers, dairy farmers, welders, urban bus drivers, and administrative workers) performed in the period 2012-2019. Each study was performed by the same study protocol including questionnaire and pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry. We found high frequency of COPD among workers exposed to dusts, gases and/or fumes (dusty occupations), varying from 10.7% in dairy farmers, 10.8% in grain workers, 11.4% in cotton workers, 13.2% in urban bus drivers, 14.9% in bricklayers to 15.2% in welders. At the same time the COPD prevalence in the groups of matched administrative workers varied from 2.3% to 4.3%. COPD in all examined occupation groups was close related to age over 45 years and smoking status, as well as to duration of employment over 20 years in dusty occupation groups. Findings from the presented studies confirmed evidence that certain occupational exposures may be associated with the development of COPD.