Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be induced by hazardous agents present in the work environment. It is estimated that employment in exposure to dust and irritant gases is responsible for 10 to 20% of COPD cases. The paper reviews the etiology (particularly the occupational risk factors) of the disease, its clinical symptoms, and diagnostic procedures. The significance of COPD in occupational medicine, especially in terms of prophylactic care of workers is also presented.
MeSH terms
-
Air Pollutants, Occupational / adverse effects*
-
Humans
-
Inhalation Exposure / adverse effects*
-
Occupational Diseases / chemically induced
-
Occupational Diseases / diagnosis*
-
Occupational Diseases / prevention & control*
-
Occupational Exposure / statistics & numerical data*
-
Poland
-
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / chemically induced
-
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / diagnosis*
-
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / prevention & control*
-
Respiratory Function Tests
-
Risk Factors
-
Workplace
Substances
-
Air Pollutants, Occupational