COPD Prevention

Smoking Cessation Self-Help Community Resources and Supports

There are many effective Saskatchewan and Canadian resources and programs aimed to support the diverse needs of your patients.

• Quit Smoking Resources
• Indigenous Commercial Tobacco Cessation

Very Brief Intervention by Primary Care Providers at Point of Care

These resources support the conversation with patients to quit smoking with pharmacotherapy.

• Commercial Tobacco Cessation (Resources)
• Commercial Tobacco Cessation Pharmacists (Supports)

Talking to patients about occupational exposures that cause Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is essential. 

Approximately 10-15% of cases are related to workplace exposure to dusts (coal, grain, silica), chemical agents, and fumes. High-risk occupations include farming, mining, construction, and manufacturing.

Workplace-related COPD is often caused by long-term, repeated inhalation of harmful substances, known as Vapours, Gases, Dusts, and Fumes

• Mineral and Inorganic Dusts: Silica dust (mining, construction), coal dust, asbestos, cement dust.

• Organic Dusts: Wood dust, grain/flour dust, cotton dust.

• Fumes and Vapours: Welding fumes, diesel engine exhaust, cleaning agents/disinfectants, chemical solvents, asphalt fumes.

• Other: Pesticides, smoke (especially for firefighters/first responders).

Talking to patients about environmental exposures that cause or worsen Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) requires identifying both personal habits and external factors in their living and working environments. 

Second-hand smoke, air pollution, and, in some cases, exposure to burning wood or coal for heating.

Radon is a well-established and significant cause of lung cancer in Canada, but its role as a risk factor for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is less definitive, though emerging evidence suggests a potential connection. Patients may identify radon as a concern, referral to supports for radon detection and mitigation in homes may be required. 

Learn more:

Radon Gas in Your Home

• Being 40 or older
• Having asthma or bronchial hyperreactivity (sensitive airways)
• Low socioeconomic status