Some of the things that put you at risk for COPD include:

Smoking

COPD most often occurs in people aged 40 and over with a history of smoking.  This includes people who currently smoke and people who have quit.  Smoking is the most common cause of COPD¹. 

Environmental Exposure

COPD can also occur in people who have had long-term exposure to things that can irritate your lungs, like certain chemicals, dust, or fumes in the workplace.  Occupational dust exposure might be responsible for 20 – 30% of COPD. This has long been recognised in underground miners, but recently biological dust has also been identified as a risk factor, particularly in women².  Heavy or long-term exposure to secondhand smoke or other air pollutants may also contribute to COPD.

Genetic Factors

In some people, COPD is caused by a genetic condition known as alpha-1 antitrypsin, or AAT, deficiency.  People with AAT deficiency can get COPD even if they have never smoked or had long-term exposure to harmful pollutants. 

Gender Factors

Women may be at greater risk than men of COPD from exposures at work and are more susceptible to COPD due to smaller lungs and airways and more sensitive airways^3.

References

1. David K McKenzie, Michael Abramson, Alan J Crockett, Nicholas Glasgow, Sue Jenkins, Christine McDonald, Richard Wood-Baker, Peter A Frith. The COPD-X Plan: Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for the management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 2007. The Australian Lung Foundation.
2. David K McKenzie, Michael Abramson, Alan J Crockett, Nicholas Glasgow, Sue Jenkins, Christine McDonald, Richard Wood-Baker, Peter A Frith. The COPD-X Plan: Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for the management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 2007. The Australian Lung Foundation.
3. Petty T. The Rising Epidemic of COPD in Women: Why women are more susceptible; how treatment should differ. Women's Health in Primary Care Dec 1999; 2(12)

Content updated October 22, 2010