"How my workplace exposed me to COPD”: James’ story

The 20^th of November is National Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (‘COPD’) Awareness Day.

It’s a global initiative to raise awareness about COPD, its symptoms and the need for support.

It’s also an opportunity to highlight the links between workplace exposure and COPD, especially for those who are working in high-risk industries, or who are being put at an increased risk by their employers.

It is estimated that approximately 638,000 people in Australia are suffering from COPD. The disease is often linked to smoking, but many people are unaware that this chronic disease can also result from workplace exposure.

Sadly, we’re seeing increased cases associated with pesticide and herbicide use and exposure to diesel fumes, welding fumes, and silica dust.

Living with COPD can be incredibly tough. It affects not just the body but also the spirit. Living with the condition requires immense strength and resilience.

What is COPD, and what causes it?

COPD is an ongoing lung condition caused by damage to the lungs. The damage results in swelling and irritation inside the airways, limiting airflow into and out of the lungs. This results in symptoms including:

• shortness of breath
• wheezing or whistling sounds when breathing
• frequent lung infections
• lack of energy
• swelling in ankles, feet or legs
• coughing
• increased mucus production

Smoking cigarettes is a major cause of COPD. However, international research suggests that more than one in seven cases could be linked to workplace exposure.

The risk of COPD can be increased by inhaling dust from cotton, flour, minerals, and wood, and by exposure to welding fumes, chemicals, diesel, pesticides, and gases.

High-risk industries include:

• mining
• construction
• gas and petroleum work
• quarry and stonework
• welding
• timber work
• textiles
• agriculture
• baking

James’ Story

59-year-old James worked every day for 20 years. He contributed to the community's safety as a project firefighter and field services officer in regional Victoria.

Unfortunately, each time James went to work, he was unknowingly putting his health at risk.

James was exposed to various herbicides, pesticides, fumigants, firefighting foams, fire retardants, smoke, and chemicals throughout his career. These exposures in his working environment significantly contributed to developing life-threatening conditions.

James’ role required him to attend fires in Victoria, where he used chemicals to contain the fires. He also managed parks and reserves. That work included spraying herbicides and pesticides on weeds and fumigating wildlife.

Even though he was exposed to many dangerous substances and chemicals, James was not provided with any respiratory mask or device until late in his career.