“Do you really wish to engage here in this place and demonstrate more of your ignorance?”
No doubt folks get COPD. And like you offered, some never smoked. Some were never even exposed to smoke and still got COPD. Is that ignorant? Or is it fact? Nevermind, you’ve already answered.
Can smoking cause health problems in some? I don’t doubt it. Do you work with some? You say you do, so I’ll just have to take your word for it. Have I worked with some? You’ll just have to take my word for it that I have been exposed to some of the same clinical situations as you.
Your situation now is to deal with the problem. It is not your business to seek to determine their lifestyle. Afterall, they are giving you meaningful work with a reasonable income.
I think that we understand each other quite well.