Question - The cited reference reports “Tobacco smoking is a major risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), however, an estimated 24% of adults with COPD have never smoked. “ What percentage of these can be attributed to workplace exposures, including dust, fumes, gases, vapors, and secondhand smoke exposure?
Answer- The cited article reports that among those with COPD who have never smoked, 26%–53% of COPD cases are attributable to workplace exposures. (Syamlal G et al. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease prevalence among adults who have never smoked by industry and occupation- United States, 2013-2017. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2019; 68:303-307. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6813a2External.)
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