Beyond Smokers: Long-term Smoke Exposure Can Trigger COPD

The risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) does not only threaten individuals with smoking habits. Continuous exposure to smoke from both household activities and occupational tasks can also increase the risk of lung damage.

Dr Yanita Novalina Ursula, Sp.P, a lung specialist at BKPM Maluku, stated that exposure to smoke from firewood and stoves used for daily cooking can impact lung health.

“It is not just smokers. Mothers who cook using firewood or stoves and are exposed to smoke every day for years also have the potential to develop COPD,” said Yanita.

She also highlighted individuals working in activities that generate smoke, including sago and copra processing. Continuous, long-term exposure to such smoke can serve as a risk factor for pulmonary disorders.

In addition to smoke from daily activities and work, poor air quality resulting from forest fires also requires vigilance. Children are identified as one of the groups particularly vulnerable to the impacts of smoke exposure.

Yanita reminded the public to reduce smoke exposure and pay attention to the conditions of their working and living environments as part of efforts to maintain lung health.

She emphasised that an individual can still develop COPD without smoking if they are continuously exposed to smoke from their environment or occupation.