Spirometric and hygienic criteria in recognition of occupational COPD in Poland - A retrospective analysis of medical records.

Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be work-related. It has been estimated that 15% of the population burden of COPD is attributable to occupational exposure. However, in Poland COPD is rarely recognized as an occupational disease.

[Physicians' knowledge on the work-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be induced by the work environment conditions. According to the estimates, 10-20% of all COPD cases are associated with occupational exposure to dusts and irritant gases. However, in 2014, only 11 cases of work-related COPD were recognized in Poland.