CONCLUSIONS
asthma, COPD, chronic lower airway disease
COPD, ASTHMA, CHRONIC LOWER AIRWAY DISEASE
In this general population study, high occupational exposure alone increased overall but not respiratory-related mortality, whereas the coexistence of asthma and COPD combined with high occupational exposure carries the highest risk of both all-cause and respiratory mortality. People who work in occupations with high occupational exposure to airborne particles are at a higher risk of mortality and should be mindful of this risk, and care should be used in using protective elements, especially if they have an existing chronic lower airway disease.