Occupational dusts and chemicals

Occupational exposure to organic and inorganic dusts, chemical agents and fumes can be a risk factor for COPD. The American Thoracic Society concluded that occupational exposure to dusts and chemicals account for 10-20% of either symptoms or functional impairment consistent with COPD.¹

Reference

1. Global Initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease: Global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of COPD. 2010. www.goldcopd.org