title: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and the workplace.
abstract: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disease associated with increasing morbidity and mortality worldwide. Whilst tobacco smoking is the important cause, other causes are recognized. This article discusses the contribution that harmful inhaled occupational exposures make to the overall burden of COPD, and goes on to discuss other aspects of the COPD workplace interface. Prevention is key. All healthcare professionals have a responsibility to consider workplace issues when dealing with their COPD patients.
authors.affiliation: Respiratory Medicine, Centre for Workplace Health, University of Sheffield, Derbyshire, UK. d.fishwick@sheffield.ac.uk
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fishwick
authors.forename: Chris M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Barber
authors.forename: Anthony C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Darby
mesh_terms: D018450:Disease Progression; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D009017:Morbidity / Q000639:trends; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011379:Prognosis; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D017132:Workplace