Preparation of Advisory Report on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder

Preparation of advisory report on
chronic obstructive pulmonary
disorder

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The chronic pulmonary disease is life threatening and rapidly growing disease. The
disease is more prevalent in smokers as well as among individuals who are exposed to specific
industrial conditions. The report has discussed various occupations which have high exposure
risk factors leading to increased vulnerability of COPD. It has also provided a brief discussion of
various exposure measurement and management strategies so that disease burden can be
controlled and individuals in specific industries can be protected from the COPD risk.

TABLE OF CONTENT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISORDER (COPD).............................................1
Origin of COPD ..........................................................................................................................1
Mechanism for development of disease ......................................................................................2
Industries vulnerable to COPD....................................................................................................3
An overview of COPD in UK .....................................................................................................4
Limits of occupational exposure and assessment methods ........................................................6
Strategy for exposure measurement ............................................................................................7
Prevention and management strategy .........................................................................................8
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most rapidly growing and
developing lung disease resulting in poor airflow and long term breathing issues. The disease is
progressive and worsen with time. The deteriorating breathing issues also make it hard for
individual to perform routine activities. With progression and worsening of symptoms it can also
prove to be life threatening (Lemière and Bernstein, 2018). Apart from tobacco smoking, air
pollution long term exposure to irritants such as cooking fires or poorly vented heating also
makes individuals more vulnerable to disease. There are some occupations which have higher
risk for development and progression of COPD.
The report will explain the origin and development mechanism of COPD and its cost in
UK context. It will also evaluate various assessment and limits of occupational exposure and
measurement of pulmonary disease. The study will also evaluate various management and
prevention strategies so that occupational risks can be reduced and progression of such diseases
can be prevented.
CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISORDER (COPD)
Origin of COPD
COPD can be of different types such as bronchitis or emphysema. Tobacco smoking is
main factor responsible for the origin or cause of this pulmonary disorder. However the prolong
exposure to irritants which cause inflammatory response also narrow the airways and can even
break lung tissues (Miravitlles and et.al., 2016). Air pollution from both indoor and outdoor
environment, tobacco smoking and occupational exposure are key reasons for causing COPD.
The genetic factors can also play a minor role in this context. The individuals who are regular
tobacco smokers are at highest risk of COPD development. However the individuals who do not
smoke but are in exposure of such second-hand smoke are also vulnerable groups (Vanfleteren
and et.al., 2015). The vulnerability of disease rises considerably as with the increase in total
smoke exposure. The polluted air such as inefficiently ventilated cooing fires fuelled by coal or
biomass causes indoor pollution. Another reason which contributes in the rapid progression of
COPD is known as occupational exposure (Gudmundsson and et.al., 2019). Prolong and intense
exposure to occupational irritants such as dust, fumes or chemicals enhances the COPD risk in
individuals irrespective of their smoking practices. The occupations which does not have any
safety and health regulations witness more severe and extended risks. There are number of
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