Mangaluru: Did you know that traffic cops in Kudla are the worst affected by vehicular pollution? A recent study shows that Mangaluru City Traffic Police (MCTP) has been most vulnerable to pollution.
Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) conducted by Anti-Pollution Drive (APD) Foundation has concluded with some startling facts that significant amount of MCTP have affected their lungs. "PFT was carried out on 115 traffic police and results show that 22.3% of the police having lesser than five or lesser years of service are showing signs of restrictive lungs. While 26.3% policemen having more than five years' experience are showing restrictive lung capacity," said Abdullah A Rehman, founder, APD. PFT are a group of tests that measure how well your lungs work. This includes how well you are able to breathe and how effective your lungs are able to bring oxygen to the rest of your body.
APD, a citizens' initiative, born in NammaKudla is deeply distressed to caution that Mangaluru too is headed in the undesirable direction.
Abdullah said it was held to test people who are most vulnerable to impact of air pollution including traffic police. The results of these test will used by APD to test the actual impact of air pollution on health of people in the city, thereby assessing the issue at hand.
Dr Irfan, respiratory medicine department, Yenepoya University, who conducted the test pointed there is a significant correlation in lung function and exposure to vehicular pollutants. Number of traffic police with restriction increased with duration of exposure. "Problem can be solved only when there is reduction in air pollution from traffic police going in for restrictive lung disease. Reduction in exposure by use of protective gears like pollution mask, reduction in the duration of exposure in a day will also help in improving their lung function. Monitoring vehicles above 10 years for pollution would also help in minimizing the level of pollution," he pointed out.
Through PFT results, APD further wants to study pollution levels in Mangaluru and related issues.
Abdullah said: "APD will be able to identify the impact on most effected group, and second identify the location and area they are working and start monitoring pollution levels in these areas. We will use this information to identify junctions that are most affected and further work towards categorical mitigation."
