Delhi’s Traffic Policemen Suffering With Breathing Ailments: Study

33% of traffic police officials are suffering with breathing issues and 23 percent with stress and hypertension.

Traffic policemen wear masks to protect themselves from heavy smog and air pollution while manning the traffic, in New Delhi

(Photo: PTI)

According to a Hindustan Times report, at least 33 percent of traffic police officials in the national capital are suffering with breathing issues and 23 percent with stress and hypertension.

The findings are the result of a six-month-long health camp organised for the policemen.

The health checkups were conducted at two city hospitals. A report by Saroj Super Specialty Hospital read,

“These are occupational hazards that come with standing for long hours in the middle of heavy traffic zones. A large number of officials were not even aware of their deteriorating health conditions, their answers to the preliminary questionnaire showed.”

Over 30 percent of the officials showed signs of asthma, lung congestion, throat irritation and thick sputum, while over 20 percent experienced stress and hypertension. Low bone density and joint aches were also common among them.

The reason is presumably exposure to high levels of nitrogen oxide and sulphur oxide released due to vehicular pollution.

The Hindustan Times report also quotes Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director (research and advocacy) at Centre for Science and Environment, If the average Delhiite is dying 10 years before than those in other cities, then these men, who are forced to stay out throughout the day, are dying at a pace two times faster. Unless government comes out with a comprehensive plan for reducing pollution, residents will continue to fall victims to deadly lifestyle diseases.”

Notably, the UN Environment agency has termed nitrogen pollution as one of the biggest environmental issues faced by humans today — which is why it requires urgent action from nations around the world.