Definition - What does Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) mean?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a type of lung disease in which the lung receives poor airflow constantly due to obstructive reasons. In the context of occupational health and safety, risk of contracting COPD increases when employees are exposed to harsh conditions, which can include chemicals, dust, or fumes.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is also known as chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD) and chronic obstructive airway disease (COAD)

SureHire explains Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

The main cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is smoking. However, on worksites, COPD has been reported to occur when workers have been exposed to various types of substances in different working environments.

Occupations that have greater possibilities of contracting COPD include: Agriculture, Cadmium, Mining, Construction, Industrial workers, Petroleum workers, and Quarries

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is generally irreversible and represents a decline in lung function. It includes two main diseases:

Chronic Bronchitis - inflammation that narrows the bronchi

Emphysema - permanent enlargement of the airspace in the lung

Related Terms

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
• Blind Spot
• Defraud
• National On-Site Testing Association
• Maximum Permissible Exposure Level
• Canadian Model for Providing a Safe Workplace
• Binding
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
• Fitness for Duty
• Drugs and Alcohol Testing Industry Association
• Hydroplaning
• Flexible Spending Account