Early Warning Signs of Work-Related COPD

The most common early warning signs of COPD are shortness of breath, a cough that may bring up sputum (mucus or phlegm), wheezing, tiredness or fatigue or repeated lung infections like bronchitis or pneumonia.  

You may notice breathing changes starting in your early 40’s. At first, you may think these signs are part of normal aging and change your activities to have fewer symptoms.   

In the workplace, these activity changes and symptoms may appear as: 

• taking the elevator instead of the steps because you get short of breath.
• sweeping sawdust and start having a lingering cough that brings up mucus.
• calling out sick several times and going to urgent care because of colds and bronchitis.

A lung disease like COPD is often diagnosed when people are between 45-60 years old. As lung function worsens and symptoms become harder to manage, it may affect your productivity at work. COPD flare-ups or exacerbations may also lead to more missed workdays and medical-related costs. COPD may also lead to early retirement. Over one in four people with COPD aged 45-68 years old retire early because of worsening COPD symptoms. 

While shortness of breath is a symptom of COPD, it is also a symptom of other health conditions. The first step is to talk to your healthcare provider about risk factors like your smoking history, workplace exposure and breathing-related symptoms. Your provider may ask you questions like:

• Have you ever been exposed regularly to vapors, gases, dust, or fumes at work?
• How long have you been exposed?
• When was the first time?
• In which job or jobs?
• Are you currently exposed?
• Did you or do you wear personal protective equipment during exposure?

Employers should identify, reduce, or remove exposures to hazards that put workers at risk of developing respiratory conditions like COPD. These work processes or controls may include eliminating, substituting, or reducing exposure to hazardous substances. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) like respirators to help protect your lungs.

Tobacco smoke can cause and worsen COPD symptoms. If you smoke, plan to quit. The American Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking program gives you the resources to quit for good.

Many states have 100% smokefree air laws, however there are still states that do not have comprehensive smokefree indoor air laws covering all bars, restaurants, and worksites. Encourage your employer to establish a tobacco-free policy.

Vaccinations can help prevent and reduce your risk of infectious respiratory diseases that can leave lasting damage to your lungs. 

The COPD Basics course will help you recognize COPD risk factors and symptoms. The course also covers diagnosis, medications, and treatment options. 

If you work outdoors, learn how air pollution can impact your lung health and ways to reduce your risk.

Follow the proper steps to alert them and document each step. Work with management to investigate the potential problem. If you suspect a health hazard at your workplace, employees, employee representatives, or employers can request an evaluation.