COPD - Risk Factors

·         COPD - Risk Factors

·         COPD in the Mining Industry:

·          

1. Coal mining was at the top of the list of industries with a significantly elevated death rate from COPD.

 

2. Non-metal and metal mines were also in the top 5 industries for elevated COPD death rate.

 

3. Top 5 occupations for elevated COPD death rate included:

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o    Helpers, mechanics and repairers.

o    Mining machine operators.

·          

4. An increased number of cases of chronic bronchitis in coal & gold miners.

 

5. Long-term exposures to low levels of silica may lead to the development of chronic bronchitis & emphysema.

 

6. Chronic exposure to coal dust, particularly high levels, may lead to severe respiratory impairment (emphysema).

 

·         Reference:

*Hnizdo & Vallyathan Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to occupational exposure to silica dust: a review of epidemiological and pathological evidence. Occup Environ Med 2003;60:237-243.

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