| GS_googleAddAdSenseService("ca-pub-8048660860005691"); GS_googleEnableAllServices(); GA_googleAddSlot("ca-pub-8048660860005691", "MM_ROS_468x60_Top"); GA_googleFetchAds(); They have withstood the vagaries of the weather, our abuses and blows at times, but they are slowly and steadily falling victims to the rising pollution levels in the city. Vehicular pollution is taking a toll on the lungs of traffic police.
A lung function test conducted by the Traffic Department on more than a hundred personnel has revealed that 45 per cent of them have respiratory problems.
 | | DCP Traffic has decided to shift those suffering from serious lung ailments to less polluted areas | The Spirometry test was carried out at Deputy Commissioner of Police (traffic) Siddharth Khatri’s office on January 18 and 19. As many as 150 personnel, including constables, head constables, assistant sub inspectors and police sub inspectors underwent the test. Of these, 66 were found to be suffering from breathing problems, including six who had definite abnormalities.
“This medical check-up was held to find out the pulmonary problems our personnel suffer from. They stand on the road amid pollution in all seasons.
Primary tests have been conducted on them, now we will go for advanced tests,” said DCP Khatri.
Looking at the condition of those with serious lung problem, the traffic chief has decided to shift them from the high-polluting areas to less-polluting places. “We are planning to shift the duty spots of those with definite abnormalities. We will be shifting them to a place where they won’t have to face high pollution,” Khatri said, and added, “It’s people’s call. They should keep their vehicles pollution-free so that not only the policemen, but also their loved ones don’t get affected.”
Dr Jignesh Prajapati, MD, medicine, who verified the reports said, “The reports definitely point to the traffic cops having respiratory problems. But we will go in for further investigations to confirm it and provide those affected with proper treatment.”
 | | 150 traffic cops took the Spirometry test | A 43-year-old traffic cop who has been detected with severe obstruction in his lungs on condition of anonymity said, “I don’t smoke and have no bad habits. But reports have shown that my lungs are blocked. The reason being we are on the road all day long in the midst of heavy pollution. Be it two-wheelers, auto-rickshaws or cars, every vehicle emits carbon and we inhale that without a pause, which creates breathing problems.”
Another 39-year-old traffic cop who has been part of the Interceptor vehicles said, “Be it summer, winter or monsoon we have our jobs cut out. People don’t like us because we stop them and charge them for violation of traffic laws. But if they keep their vehicles pollution-free, our lives will be saved which they cannot fathom.”
What is a spirometer and spirometry?
Spirometry is the most common of the lung function tests. It measures the volume and speed of inhalation and exhalation by using Spirometer. Spirometry shows how well you breathe in and out. Breathing in and out can be affected by lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pulmonary fibrosis and cystic fibrosis.
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