rs1008438 (A allele and genotypes containing it) is associated with genetic susceptibility to COPD, both in smokers and in biomass-burning exposed subjects; at the same time, it predisposes smokers to severe forms of COPD, but the presence of this SNP did not significantly affect the Hsp70 protein or mRNA level. The gene discussed is HSPA1A; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.