Lung Disease in the workforce

Posted on: 07/01/2016

Last year saw Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease named as the 4th biggest cause of death worldwide and it is predicted to become the 3rd over the next few years. The main cause of this condition (which used to be called chronic bronchitis or emphysema) is smoking.

Employers are urged to consider smoking cessation programs for their employees.

Occupational Lung disease caused by exposure to dusts, gases, and fumes accounts for about 15% of all cases. Senior policy makers in occupational health call for renewed vigilance for employer’s who may be exposing workers to harmful dusts, vapours, gases and/or fumes.

Link: www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causdis/copd/