34% of traffic cops have lung problems

Survey shows policemen who do not smoke also have poor lungs

The rise in traffic volumes in the city is not good newsu00a0 for traffic cops. A recent survey has shown that almost 34 per cent of the traffic personnel suffer from lung problems. The survey was jointly conducted by Universal Health Foundation and health portal arogya.com.



Spirometry tests were conducted at all seven traffic zones in the city where pollution is at its peak. The survey was conducted at Chatushringi, Faraskhana, Swargate, Wanawadi, Bund Garden, Pimpri and Deccan Gymkhana areas of the city. Spirometry and general check-ups were held between October 19 and 26 covering 29 traffic divisions.

Spiromatory is the basic test of pulmonary function and it indicates the lungs' efficiency. It is used to measure the amount of air the lungs can hold and how well the lungs are able to move air in and out.

Occupational hazard
"It is shocking that lungs were found weak in 72 of the total 377 traffic cops," said Dr Vijay Varad, President, Universal Health Foundation. "All the 377 traffic cops were between the age group of 22-54 years. It is a representative."

Elaborating on the tests, Dr Rajendra Jagtap, emergency medicine specialist, said, "The lungs problems are serious. But only 10 per cent of the police surveyed have smoking habits. It indicates that the air pollution with many toxic contents are affecting lungs of traffic cops. It may lead to allergic rhinitis or pulmonary bronchitis if the problems are not tackled soon."

Manoj Patil, Traffic DCP, said, "Traffic constables working in these places are put on rotational shifts. Their duty hours are also reduced to 9 hours from 12 hours. We also ensure regular medical checkups for them."