Research released today finds over seven million Australians at risk of lung disease

The Australian Lung Foundation today launches the Lung Health Checklist, a new tool to help Australians catch lung disease before it catches up with them.

Friday 30 October 2009... The Australian Lung Foundation released new research today showing more than seven million Australians (63 percent) aged ≥35 years claim to have been exposed to environmental or lifestyle factors which could put them at risk of lung disease - including harmful dust, gas or fumes in their workplace or a history of smoking.*1

Prof Christine Jenkins, Concord Clinical School, University of Sydney and Head of Airways Group, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, explained that lung disease encompasses a range of conditions, which the research indicates millions of Australians may be at risk of developing through environmental or lifestyle exposure.

"Asthma is probably the most common and best known lung disease in Australia; however there are many other lung diseases, some of which are even more serious. Lung disease incorporates a range of diseases such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and many lesser known conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension," said Prof Jenkins. "While some of these can be a result of genetic factors, many lung diseases are caused by a history of smoking or exposure to dust, gas or fumes."

For full release see  Lung Health Media Release October 2009 93.46 Kb