Causes of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

What Causes Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease happens when the lungs and airways become inflamed and damaged. It is most commonly associated with smoking or spending long periods of time among others who smoke; it is thought that around 90 percent of cases are as a result of smoking, but that leaves a further 10 percent of cases in which the disease can be attributed to other factors.

Genetics

There is evidence that around 1 in 100 people who suffer from COPD have succumb to the condition as a result of a genetic defect. People who are deficient in a substance called Alpha-1-antitrypsin; a substance that protects the lungs from damage, are more likely to develop the disease at a younger age – particularly if they smoke as well.

Air Pollution

Dirty air can contain a host of different particles, dusts and fumes that can damage the lungs. While the days of industrial towns being enveloped in smog may be long gone, the quality of the air we breathe can naturally have huge consequences on our health. Research suggests that being exposed to air pollution over a long period of time can significantly increase the risk of developing COPD and other lung issues.

Dust and fumes in the workplace

There are a range of substances that can be found in some types of workplace that are commonly associated with the development of COPD. Specific substances that have been linked with its development include:

• Grain and flour dust
• Coal dust and fumes
• Cadmium dust and fumes
• Silica dust
• Welding fumes
• Isocyanates

Other chemicals, dust and fumes have been known to cause or exacerbate symptoms and so exposure to any kind of dangerous substance, dust or fumes should be reduced to an absolute minimum to try and control the risk, particularly within the workplace or any public spaces.

Particular activities that can increase the risk of exposure to these dangerous substances include:

• Transportation and moving of substances
• Cleaning and maintaining areas where substances have been stored
• Burning substances
• Mining
• Milling, grinding or sanding of particular substances
• Cutting or polishing
• Breaking up or disposing of certain substances
• Accidents where substances are released into the atmosphere

In almost all of these cases, the use of suitable personal protective equipment along with robust health and safety procedures can reduce the risk of exposure so that employees can go about their business safely without any increased risk of developing COPD or other industrial diseases.

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