In 2012 it became the third leading cause as the number of deaths rose again to 3.1 million .
Between 1990 and 2010 the number of deaths from COPD decreased slightly from 3.1 million to 2.9 million and became the fourth leading cause of death .
In 2012 COPD became the third leading cause as the number of deaths rose again to 3.1 million .
Between 1990 and 2010 the number of deaths from COPD decreased slightly from 3.1 million to 2.9 million and became the fourth leading cause of death .