Occupational exposure and airflow obstruction and self‐reported COPD among ever‐employed US adults using a COPD‐job exposure matrix.

Introduction: This study examined the association of spirometry‐defined airflow obstruction and self‐reported COPD defined as self‐reported doctor diagnosed chronic bronchitis or emphysema, with occupational exposure among ever‐employed US adults. Methods: Data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007‐2008 to 2011‐2012, a nationally representative study of the non‐institutionalized civilian US population. Reported current and/or longest held job were used to create prevalence estimates and prevalence odds ratios (PORs) (adjusted for age, gender, race, and smoking status) for airflow obstruction and self‐reported COPD by occupational exposure, determined using both NHANES participants' self‐reported exposures and eight categories of COPD job exposure matrix (JEM) assigned exposures. Results: Significant PORs for airflow obstruction and self‐reported COPD respectively were observed with self‐reported exposure for ≥20 years to mineral dust (POR = 1.44; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13‐1.85; POR = 1.69; 95% CI 1.17‐2.43) and exhaust fumes (POR = 1.65; 95% CI 1.27‐2.15; POR = 2.22; 95% CI 1.37‐3.58). Airflow obstruction or self‐reported COPD were also associated with COPD‐JEM assigned high exposure to mineral dust, combined dust, diesel exhaust, vapor‐gas, sensitizers, and overall exposure. Conclusion: Airflow obstruction and self‐reported COPD are associated with both self‐reported and JEM‐assigned exposures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]