Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a degenerative lung disease resulting in lower lung function characterized by an obstruction to airflow. COPD is an umbrella term for two disease processes: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is currently the 4th leading cause of death in the United States. Approximately 14 million Americans are known to suffer from COPD; however, it is estimated that as many as 24 million Americans may have some form of one or both of the diseases (Centers for Disease Control, 2011). The primary risk factor for developing COPD is cigarette smoking; other factors include exposure to air pollution, occupational dusts and chemicals, and lower socioeconomic status. Poverty has been identified as a risk factor for COPD but the aspects related to poverty that increase the risk of COPD are unclear (GOLD, 2011). Lower education level and household income has been noted to relate to increased severity of COPD (Eisner, Blanc, Omachi, Yelin, Sidney, Katz, et al, 2011). An American Lung Association survey found that over half of those diagnosed with COPD reported that their condition limits their ability to perform activities of daily living, including activities in the home (American Lung Association, 2009). As air pollution can lead to an exacerbation of COPD symptoms and precipitate emergency room visits and hospitalization, minimizing pollution in indoor air may be a key component of disease management and decreasing health care costs.
