Objective To explore the related factors of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in non-smokers, and provide a basis for the development of early screening indicators. Methods A total of 2,440 non-smokers above 30 years old without history of COPD were recruited from the Health Management Center and Department of Respiratory Medicine of the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University. Questionnaires were used to collect related factors. Symptoms combined with lung function test were used to diagnose COPD. The independent-sample t test was used to compare continuous variables between groups, and the chi-square test or Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for categorical variables, and the correlation strength was estimated by logistic regression model and expressed by OR (95% CI). Results After adjusting for age and gender by single factor logistic regression analysis, low education level, low income, living in rural or suburban areas, long-term exposure to dust or chemical poisons, long-term exposure to indoor air pollution such as bio-fuels or oil fume, history of chronic respiratory diseases in childhood, frequent coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath after activities are significantly associated with COPD. Multivariate stepwise regression analysis showed that age of 60 and above, low BMI, history of chronic respiratory disease in childhood, long-term exposure to dust or chemical toxins, frequent coughing when not having a cold, wheezing, and shortness of breath after activities are significantly associated with COPD.Conclusion Age of 60 and above, low BMI, history of chronic respiratory diseases in childhood, long-term exposure to dust or chemical poisons, frequent coughing when not having a cold , wheezing, shortness of breath after activities are related to COPD in non-smokers. Early screening and intervention should be carried out for people with such characteristics.