Trends in the prevalence of COPD in elderly individuals in an air-polluted city in Japan: a cross-sectional study.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of exposure to air pollution and cigarette smoke on respiratory function, respiratory symptoms, and the prevalence of COPD in individuals aged ≥50 years.

Patients And Methods: We used spirometry and medical questionnaires to screen 433 individuals from Omuta City, Japan, an area with high levels of air pollution.

Results: Non smokers had a high estimated COPD prevalence rate of 16%.