Occupational exposure to PM (dust) and its relationship to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Europe: A systematic review.

Abstract

Background: Ambient particulate matter consists of diverse solid and liquid particles suspended in the air. In urban settings, specific jobs such as welding, painting, vehicle repair, and servicing are linked to potential exposure to particulate matter. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant cause of global morbidity and mortality, affecting developed and developing nations. Industrialization and urbanization in Europe have notably impacted COPD emergence. Prevalence ranges from 3.5% to 17.4% across Europe, peaking in Denmark. Workplace exposures contribute up to 15% of COPD cases. Population-based studies show that workplace exposure to dusts accounts for a significant proportion of COPD cases. This review investigates particulate matter's role in occupational COPD impact and aims to understand its effect on the working population's health.

Methods: A systematic review of literature linking COPD with occupational exposures to PM was carried out. Three database searches involving Medline, CINAHL and Scopus were used. Studies from the start of 2000 were included in the review. The search strategy was developed using a PEO (Population, Exposure, Outcomes) framework and the relevant studies were selected using the predefined criteria for inclusion and exclusion. The quality of the 9 included studies was appraised using the Joanna Brigg's Institute (JBI) Checklist for cross-sectional and cohort studies. Analysis of the included studies was conducted using a narrative review.

Results: The review analysed nine studies carried out in Europe, revealing a substantial correlation between exposure to dust and the susceptibility to developing COPD and Chronic Bronchitis. Overall, this association proved consistent across different genders and occupational settings, indicating that both men and women face an increased risk of these respiratory conditions due to dust exposure in various work environments.

Conclusions: Occupational dust exposure is closely linked to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), particularly in industries like agriculture and manufacturing. This connection underscores the need for public health and workplace interventions. Preventive measures including regulations, protective gear, and health screenings, are crucial to reduce COPD risk. Recognizing this interplay is vital for worker wellbeing and requires proactive actions for a healthier workforce.