[COPD: think about occupational exposures!].

Copd: think about occupational exposures! Unfortunately, the occupational exposures of COPD are still poorly taught and poorly researched, although they account for 15 to 20% of all COPD. The clinician must know them well and therefore systematically seek them for any newly diagnosed case. A thorough and rigorous professional interview allows to trace the entire professional career, even when the patient smokes. The main exposures in industrial and agricultural sectors are described. Recognition of COPD in occupational diseases is only possible in France since a few years, in a restrictive way. The prevention of occupational COPD (reduction or elimination of environmental pollution in the workplace) is likely to reduce the incidence of COPD in exposed workers. A regular monitoring to detect early COPD (spirometry) is needed.