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Emphysema

Definition

• Emphysema is a disease in which the alveoli (tiny air sacs) of the lung become damaged. This results in a decrease in respiratory function (the lungs don't work as well) and (often) breathlessness.

  Early symptoms of emphysema include shortness of breath and cough. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis together comprise chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Additional Info

Protect yourself from inhalation injuries with fresh air pumps, supplied air respirators, and other respiratory protection products from Safety Emporium.

Smoking is by far the major risk factor (cause) of emphysema, accounting for 82% of COPD cases according to the American Lung Association. Certain individuals are also genetically disposed towards emphysema; this form is called alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) emphysema. Extensive smoking can lead to irreparable lung damage, even if you quit smoking. In these cases, the condition is not likely to improve and death by respiratory or cardiac (heart) failure is the inevitable outcome (months to years). Is smoking worth three years on a respirator as your body wastes away? Quit today, if not for yourself then for your friends and families who don't want to deal with that. Up to 15% of COPD cases are from occupational exposures (J Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 2006, 1:11; doi:10.1186/1745-6673-1-11). Coal miners, hard-rock miners, tunnel workers, concrete-manufacturing workers, non-mining industrial workers have the highest risk, but any occupation involving dusts, chemicals or gases can be at risk. Those involved in such activities who smoke elevate their risk even more.

Books Available

• "The Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema Handbook", Paperback, 318 pages, 2000. Estimated price $11.53. Info and/or order .
• "Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease", Paperback, 290 pages, 2007. Estimated price $47.84. Info and/or order.
• "Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (Oxford Respiratory Medicine Library)", Paperback, 136 pages, 2009. Estimated price $24.95. Info and/or order.
• "Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - A Forgotten Killer (Introducing Health Sciences : a Case Study Approach)", Paperback, 104 pages, 2008. Estimated price $42.14. Info and/or order.
• "The Quiet Killer: Emphysema/Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease", Hardcover, 240 pages, 2002. Estimated price $44.50. Info and/or order.

MSDS Relevance

Emphysema can be aggravated by air pollution or exposure to certain chemicals. The first action you can take to avoid emphysema is to make sure you do not inhale smoke, especially cigarette smoke. Avoid workplace exposure to chemicals that have irritating vapors or dusts.

If you work in an occupation that has a risk for COPD or emphysema, your employer needs to take steps to avoid the generation of inhalable substances in the first place. Engineering controls and ventilation methods should be used to reduce or contain the chemicals, fumes or dusts. Appropriate PPE such as respirators should be used if other methods are not sufficient to mitigate the risk.

Additional Reading

• The American Lung Association's pages on emphysema and COPD.
• MayoClinic.com's extensive resources on emphysema and COPD.
• Emphysema at the NIH's MedLine Plus Medical Encylopedia.
• A multi-page guide to emphysema at eMedicineHealth.com.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) at Yahoo! Health, including symptoms and treatments.
• The National Emphysema Foundation.
See also: asthma, dust, dyspnea, smoke.

Additional definitions from Google and OneLook.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is believed to be true and accurate, however ILPI makes no guarantees concerning the veracity of any statement. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. ILPI strongly encourages the reader to consult the appropriate local, state and federal agencies concerning the matters discussed herein.