Article Index:
Executive Summary of the HSE Report on Work-related Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Statistics in Great Britain, 2023
This article provides an executive summary of the HSE report on work-related Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) statistics in Great Britain, 2023. The report contains extensive facts and statistics, which have been distilled into key findings for easy understanding.
15% of COPD Cases are Attributed to Occupational Exposures
According to the report (page 4), around 15% of total COPD cases or deaths in Britain, equivalent to about 4,000 deaths per year, are contributed by occupational exposures. This is consistent with various epidemiological studies and reviews.
COPD in Former Coal Miners Recognised for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
Based on clear evidence of increased risk among these workers, COPD in former coal miners has been recognised for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) for a number of years (page 4).
Various Workplace Exposures Contribute to COPD
Various dusts (including grain and silica) as well as certain fumes and chemicals (including welding fume, isocyanates, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) are likely to contribute to COPD (page 4).
Prevalence of COPD in Great Britain is Around 4.9% to 6.7%
A recent UK study using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) estimated a prevalence among those over 40 years of age of 4.9% for clinically validated cases and 6.7% including potentially undiagnosed cases (page 5).
Estimated 2 Million Prevalent Cases of COPD Currently in GB
These prevalence proportions suggest of the order of 2 million prevalent cases currently in GB (page 5).
15% of COPD Cases Attributed to Work
An earlier review of the epidemiological evidence derived a best estimate of 15% of cases attributable to work (page 6).
4,000 Deaths per Year Currently in Britain Due to COPD
This equates to around 4,000 deaths per year currently in Britain (page 6).
Coal Dust Exposure Through Mining Activities is an Established Cause of COPD
Coal dust exposure through mining activities is an established cause of COPD (page 6).
105 Cases of COPD in 2022
Over the period 2012-2019, the annual number of new IIDB cases has been much lower and broadly constant with an average of around 80 per year. There were 105 cases in 2022 (page 7).
2 Reports of COPD Cases by Chest Physicians in 2022
In 2022, there were 2 reports by chest physicians in the SWORD scheme compared with 25 in 2019 and a ten-year average of 23 for the period 2010-2019 (page 7).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the HSE report provides a comprehensive overview of the COPD situation in Great Britain. It highlights the significant role of occupational exposures in causing COPD, with around 15% of total cases attributed to work. The report also underscores the importance of continued research and monitoring to better understand and address the issue.
