World COPD day takes place this year on Wednesday 19 November. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive, irreversible lung disease which kills about 30,000 people a year in the UK alone. Though smoking is the most important risk factor for COPD, occupational exposures to fumes, chemicals and dusts may together account for around 4000 deaths each year. HSE is working in partnership with a range of stakeholders to improve the design, installation and maintenance of local exhaust ventilation systems that help remove airborne contaminants from the workplace before people breathe them in.
World COPD day is an annual event organised by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) to improve awareness and care of COPD around the world. To find out more go to The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) or visit the website of the British Lung Foundation (BLF)