CDC findings dig into the risks of workers in certain industries developing COPD.
You might be familiar with ‘Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’ (CDC) from movies and TV shows such as The Walking Dead, or more recently The Last of Us.
Zombies and mushroom monsters aside, the real-world CDC has been hard at work analysing more than 300,000 fatal cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) across the pond.
COPD is the name for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties. It can be caused by exposure to harmful gases in the air, over a short time or a much longer period.
So, what have the CDC found?
Their research indicated highly elevated levels of COPD across specific industries. For example, miners have the highest rates of fatal COPD per person.
That might not be too surprising. However, the accommodation and food service was found to have the second highest rates, even more than construction workers.
Correlation is not causation, but the trend suggested by these figures begs for further explanation. The CDC suggests that “preventable workplace exposures to harmful gases”, could increase rates of COPD.
In the UK, workers should be protected from exposure to harmful chemicals by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH). However, there are many cases of work-related lung disease here.
Whether you’re mining or cooking in a smoky kitchen, your employer has a duty of care to keep harmful gases away from your lungs.
At Oakwood Solicitors, we often advise those diagnosed with lung disease or other diseases. If you are suffering with any of the conditions mentioned or simply want to enquire, please feel free to contact us.
Further reading
Respiratory disease claims – Oakwood Solicitors
Sources:
You’re at the highest risk of lung disease, according to CDC analysis – Daily Mail Online
COPD Mortality by Industry & Occupation – CDC
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Joshua Bickerstaff is a Trainee Solicitor in our Industrial Disease Department. After graduating from King’s College London, Joshua attended the University of Law in Leeds and completed the Legal Pr…
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