Doctors say simple measures like providing respirator masks to traffic police officers, keeping a regular check on their respiratory health and rotating duties can help. However, traffic police officials say that there are several practical difficulties in following these simple solutions. The situation is so sticky that the only feasible option is for motorists to be conscientious about maintenance of their vehicles.
One of the first studies concerning traffic police in India was conducted by Pune-based Chest Research Foundation. “We compared the lung function of traffic police and other police officers in Pune. We found that the oxidative stress among traffic police was much higher. It also showed us that they were exposed to smoke level which was equivalent to that caused by smoking 20 cigarettes a day, he informed. Though the study was on traffic policemen, drivers of autos, rickshaws, buses, taxis and hawkers also had similar amount of exposure,” he added. Another vulnerable group, he said, are those having shops or houses right on the main roads.
“Vehicular fumes consist of major pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and hydrocarbons which combine to make a dangerous cocktail. Their effect depends on individual tolerance but generally are more pronounced among kids, ill and elderly people,” said SK Goyal from environmental impact and risk assessment division of National Environmental Engineering and Research Institute (Neeri).
“Those who are exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide released from vehicles can have many respiratory problems. Problem may aggravate in people having lung ailments and asthma. Long-term exposure to air pollution can even lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary distress (COPD),” said pulmonologist Dr Rajesh Swarnakar. He added that even school kids can be affected because of exposure to kerosene fumes that autowallahs sometimes mix with diesel.
An asthma detection camp for traffic police constables was conducted by a private hospital from the city a couple of years ago. It found that the officers who were posted at busy and congested junctions like Umred Road, Itwari, Telephone Exchange, Pachpaoli, Budhwari and Kamptee Road had more lung related problems. Subsequently, the officers were given cloth masks.
“Last year, we provided them air masks, too, as an experiment. Daytime temperature in the city being so high, most officers found it difficult to keep the mask on for long. They said it was neither feasible nor practical as they would have to take it off again and again,” said Bharat Tangde, deputy commissioner of police, traffic. With the department facing staff shortage, duties on rotation basis are not possible, he added.
POISON IN THE AIR
* Acute respiratory diseases, including asthma
* Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD)
* WHO estimates that some 80% of outdoor air pollution-related premature deaths were due to ischemic heart disease and strokes
* Lung ailments, including cancer
Vulnerable population groups
* Traffic police personnel
* Drivers of public transport vehicles
* People having houses or shops on busy roads
* Using N95 respirator masks
* Rotation duties for traffic cops in less congested, busy areas
* Ensuring all vehicles regularly get PUC
* Motorists should be mindful of their vehicles’ fuel efficiency
* Shifting to cleaner fuels, and technologically advanced engines
* Avoiding adulterated fuels
* Regulating traffic through good management, more use of public transport, cycles or walking