While the national capital is reeling under severe air pollution, a medical check-up has revealed that at least 1 in 7 traffic policemen in Delhi is suffering from respiratory problems.
The pulmonary function test was done on Monday which showed that 80 of the 516 policemen, who were part of the camp, suffered from breathing problems. The camp was held at the Traffic Police Headquarters in Todapur. Lung congestion, asthma and throat irritation were the common problems detected, reported Hindustan Times.
In the next 10 days, as many as 5,700 traffic policemen will go through similar tests. Everyday, around 500 personnel will undergo various diagnostic tests at the camp.
Delhi Traffic Police personnel have been advised by doctors to adopt a healthy lifestyle and wear anti-pollution masks while on duty in view of current weather conditions.
Traffic personnel are exposed to harsh weather conditions, dust, pollution, heat and cold. These can have an adverse effect on their health, the police said in a statement following the launch of a three-day health camp on Monday.
Doctors have opined that several police personnel suffered from work-related stress and many others displayed low bone density along with hypertension and respiratory problems, the statement said.
They were advised to wear pollution masks while performing duty, do 'pranayam' and breathing exercises, try meditation and eat a healthy food, it said.
On Monday, the National Green Tribunal came down heavily on the Delhi government for not filing a comprehensive action plan on ways to deal with severe air pollution in the city and slammed authorities for holding the India-Sri Lanka cricket match despite bad air quality.
The Sri Lankan cricket team had complained of poor air quality that forced India to declare their innings in the ongoing test match at Feroz Shah Kotla stadium.
(With PTI inputs)
