Lexington, KY (Aug. 31, 2007) ¾ Two worldwide studies published in this week's edition of The Lancet observe the alarming growth rate of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The only U.S. site in the International Burden of Lung Disease (BOLD) Study was located in Eastern Kentucky, and was found to have some of the highest rates of COPD in the world. In fact, it had the second highest rate among women and fourth highest among men. Smoking is a primary risk factor for the disease, although it is heavily influenced by exposures to dusty working environments, air pollution, diet, and genetic factors.
The Lancet