Abstract
Background: The impact of occupational dust and gas/fume exposure on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been described in Western populations but the extent has not been quantified in developing countries.
Aims: We examined the relationship between past dust and fume exposure and prevalence of COPD and respiratory symptoms in a Chinese population sample. We have calculated the population attributable fraction for COPD due to previous occupation exposures.
Methods: Baseline data from the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study (2003-6; n = 8,219) were analysed. Self-reported intensity and duration of dust and gas/fume exposure was obtained from which a cumulative exposure index was derived. COPD was defined based on spirometry using lower limit of normal. Respiratory symptoms were assessed by the MRC questionnaire.
Results: In this sample (27.3% men, mean age 61.9±6.8 years), COPD was associated with dust or gas/fume exposure in a dose-response manner with no evidence of effect modification by smoking (adjusted OR for high level exposure = 1.49; 95% CI 1.21-1.91). Similar associations were found for chronic cough/phlegm (1.60; 1.18-2.17) and dyspnoea (1.38; 1.21-1.58). The population attributable fraction for COPD due to occupational exposure was 11.2% (95% CI 1.4%-20.0%).
Conclusion: Occupational dust and gas/fume exposure is associated with an increased prevalence of COPD in this Chinese sample, independent of smoking. The magnitude is similar to that reported in other populations.
- © 2011 ERS
