Bengaluru’s BMTC drivers, traffic police, pourakarmikas, construction workers show reduced lung function: Survey
A three-year study in Bengaluru involving over 10,000 frontline workers reveals that BMTC drivers, traffic police, construction workers, and pourakarmikas suffer from significantly reduced lung function. The research highlights that these groups, who are heavily exposed to urban air pollution, show high rates of early lung-function abnormalities.
Why it matters
This study underscores the severe occupational health risks faced by essential urban workers in highly polluted environments, highlighting a critical need for better protective measures and public health policy.
Bengaluru’s BMTC drivers, traffic police, pourakarmikas, construction workers show reduced lung function: Survey left Pourakarmika workers sweeping the streets on Mysuru Road near Sirsi Circle, in Bengaluru. MURALI KUMAR K The Hindu https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/6wwdej/article71626912.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/6205_31_5_2021_18_1_33_5_DSC9240.JPG MURALI KUMAR K KARNATAKA BENGALURU 31/05/2021 : BBMP Pourakarmika sporting new uniform intense cleaning Mysuru road near Sirsi circle, as vehicles plying during the lockdown, in Bengaluru on May 31, 2021. Photo MURALI KUMAR K / The Hindu Among the occupations, pourakarmikas were found to have the highest proportion of workers with the PRISm pattern, an indication of reduced lung capacity. Around 45% of them showed indications of reduced lung function. Bengaluru A three-year long study in Bengaluru of over 10,000 frontline workers has brought to light reduced lung function among BMTC bus drivers, traffic police, pourakarmikas and construction workers — sections most exposed to polluted air.
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