If you have COPD, then you know that your lungs are particularly sensitive to the environment and the quality of the air you breathe. Even minor irritants like dust, smog, or cold air can worsen your symptoms and make it even more difficult to breathe.

Studies find that use of disinfectants once every week can increase the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by as much as 32%. This according to a joint 30-year study by the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) and Havard University which found that the use of products such as glutaraldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, bleach, alcohol and quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) (commonly found in furniture and floor disinfectants) increased the risk of developing COPD by 22 – 32 % in an occupational setting.

In both developed and undeveloped countries around the world, it is estimated that 9-10% of people are affected by Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Experts have made a prediction that by 2020, it will be the third leading cause of death in the world as the population ages and people continue to smoke. More than 12 million people have been diagnosed with COPD in the United States alone and it is the third leading cause of death claiming more than 120,000 American lives each year.

For many patients who have COPD, oxygen therapy is a major feature of day-to-day life. If you use oxygen during the daytime, managing oxygen tanks and equipment inevitably becomes a routine part of almost every daily task and activity.

Beginning supplemental oxygen therapy is a huge life adjustment and comes with a lot of new concerns and responsibilities. With all the new equipment and guidelines to follow, it can be overwhelming and confusing at first.