Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 5, 2026

Generation of a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Model in Mice by Repeated Ozone Exposure
Published on: August 25, 2017
The Social and Economic Impact of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease on Maintenance-of-Way Railroad Workers
1Adjunct Faculty, School of Management and Labor Relations, Rutgers University, New Jersey.
Abstract:
: Thousands of railroad maintenance-of-way (MOW) workers develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from their work.
Objective:
This study calculates the social and economic burdens of COPD borne by thousands of MOW workers.
Methods:
Economic calculations are derived from the literature and also from a survey of 4800 MOW respondents, 155 in-depth interviews, and two focus groups.
Results:
COPD alone costs at least $179 million over the course of cases currently diagnosed among MOW workers. Many individuals work through significant pain and breathing difficulties or have to leave the profession. Some are crippled for life.
Conclusion:
When a worker has COPD, beyond pain and suffering, there are often financial burdens that affect families, railroad companies, insurers, communities, and taxpayers as well as the injured workers.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Nursing Management
Assessment
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Smoking Cessation
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction

