In 2011, the Center for Health Policy Research at the University of California, Los Angeles, released an alarming report on the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among adults in California, with the disease affecting over 1.1 million state residents. COPD is a debilitating respiratory disease that includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and some cases of asthma. According to the report, even though a third of COPD patients in the state are older than 65, a fourth are younger than 45 years old.
A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said: “In the United States, tobacco smoke is a key factor in the development and progression of COPD, although exposure to air pollutants in the home and workplace, genetic factors, and respiratory infections also play a role.”
According to a press release, aside from avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke, people need be aware of any irritants and allergens that can be found indoors, such as the following:
- Mold & Bacteria
- Dust Mites & Dusty Conditions
- Pet Dander
- Pollen
- Scented Soaps, Shampoos & Perfumes
- Fumes from Cleaning & Other Chemicals
- Dry Cleaning Chemicals
- Smoke from Fireplaces & Wood Stoves
- Dirty HVAC Ducts & Carpeting
- Outdoor Pollution that Infiltrates a Property
“For people who suffer from COPD, it’s important that their home and work environment does not have elevated levels of these pollutants to keep their condition from being aggravated,” said Michael Chapman, the Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Garden Grove facility. “At LA Testing, we offer laboratory services, sampling supplies, test kits and monitoring equipment to identify airborne contaminants to help COPD patients manage their condition.”
LA Testing recently sponsored an informational video about COPD and the many indoor allergens and pollutants. LA Testing is California’s most prominent laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other substances. To learn more about LA Testing, visit their website at www.LATesting.com, or contact a company representative via email [email protected], or call (800) 755-1794.
This new report is part of a statewide effort to call attention to the issue of COPD. Recently, BREATHE California of Los Angeles (BREATHE LA), a nonprofit organization established in 1903 and dedicated to creating clean air and healthy lungs for Los Angeles County residents, announced that it is preparing to host its 7th Annual COPD Conference on Saturday, November 14, 2015, with the theme “Advancing the Diagnosis and Management of COPD” as well as a “Focus on COPD Exacerbations.” The conference is specifically designed to address the prevalence of COPD in Los Angeles.