DEPARTMENTS
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease
A NIOSH study published in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report in December characterizes the mortality rates in 2020 for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, by industry and occupation. COPD causes long-term respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation. NIOSH researchers analyzed fatality data for more than 3 million people 15 years of age and older from 46 states and New York City. The analysis focused on “ever-employed” individuals—those whose industry and occupation could be verified. Information from the study and other sources appears below. For more about the study, see NewsWatch.
From “Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Mortality by Industry and Occupation—United States, 2020”:
“Elevated COPD mortality among workers in certain industries and occupations underscores the importance of targeted interventions, including reduction or elimination of COPD-related risk factors and workplace smoke-free policies, to prevent COPD from developing and to intervene before illness becomes symptomatic or severe.”
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SOURCES
CDC: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, “Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Mortality by Industry and Occupation—United States, 2020” (December 2022).
NIOSH Science Blog: “The Risk of COPD is Increased for Workers in Certain Industries and Occupations and with Certain Occupational Exposures” (November 2022).