Background

Epidemiological data suggest 15% of COPD and chronic bronchitis is attributable to work. Despite this, few studies report real world data on occupational COPD. The Health and Occupation Research (THOR) network is an established UK reporting scheme for occupational disease. We describe cases of occupational COPD reported to THOR over a 10-year period.

Methods

Between 2010 to 2019 89 cases of COPD were reported. Seventy-eight were reported by respiratory, five by occupational and six by primary care physicians. When adjusted for reporting differences there were an estimated 298 cases of COPD.  

Results

Of the 78 cases reported by respiratory physicians, 95% were men with a mean age of 65 (range 30-85) years. Commonly reported industries were manufacturing (31%), construction (31%), mining and quarrying (27%). Common occupations were coal mine operatives (23%), then welding trades (10%), and elementary construction (6%). Most reported occupations belonged to (i) ?process, plant and machine operatives? and (ii) ?skilled trades and occupations? SOC 2010 groups. In total 109 causative agents were reported. Common agents were coal (17%), ?dust? (13%), tobacco smoke (13%), asbestos (13%), silica (9%), welding fumes (6%), cement, plaster and masonry (5%), wood (4%), acids (2%), zinc (2%), cadmium (2%), other metals (2%) and ill-defined fumes/gases (2%).

Conclusion

Despite workplace exposures being linked to COPD development, few cases were reported to THOR. Whilst most occupations and exposures were clinically plausible, certain exposures were less clearly linked COPD development. More work is needed to develop definitions of occupational COPD and to heighten its awareness amongst clinicians.