Numerous people with a history of occupational asbestos exposure develop COPD later in life, which might, in turn, lead to mesothelioma or lung cancer. There are multiple studies supporting the high incidence of COPD among individuals who were exposed to airborne toxic agents on the job, including asbestos. A study conducted on 316,729 construction workers revealed a two and a half higher mortality rate from COPD in people who had been exposed to toxic agents than in those with no history of exposure.

Emphysema and chronic bronchitis obstruct the airways, making breathing progressively difficult. The symptoms become more severe over time and if the person was exposed to asbestos, the risk of COPD developing into a form of cancer is considerable, as asbestos fibers will be more likely to cause tissue damage when the lungs are already weakened. Some of the most common signs of COPD are:

• wheezing
• difficulty breathing
• swollen feet, ankles or legs
• tightness in the chest
• unintentional weight loss
• shortness of breath during physical activities
• a productive cough
• low muscle endurance
• frequent respiratory infections

COPD by itself is a serious disease, with the majority of patients surviving between 12 and 18 years following diagnosis, depending on how severe their condition is. However, when it is triggered by asbestos exposure, COPD entails greater health risks. Mesothelioma or lung cancer might subsequently develop, whose symptoms are similar to COPD. For this reason, if you have COPD and were also exposed to asbestos, having your lungs evaluated by a specialist biannually is crucial.