Here are the big stories from Karnataka today
A three-year study in Bengaluru reveals that frontline workers, including bus drivers and police, suffer from significantly reduced lung function due to air pollution. Pourakarmikas were found to be the most affected group, with 45% showing signs of early lung-function abnormalities.
Why it matters
This highlights the severe occupational health risks faced by essential workers in rapidly urbanizing Indian cities, necessitating better environmental protections.
Here are the big stories from Karnataka today left A pourakarmika rests between her work day at Adugodi in Bengaluru. SUDHAKARA JAIN The Hindu https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/x2v8c8/article71627230.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/POURAKARMIKA.jpg SUDHAKARA JAIN KARNATAKA BENGALURU 08/03/2025 Pourakarmika taking rest in between the daily work at Adugodi in Bengaluru . Photo : SUDHAKARA JAIN / THE HINDU Welcome to the Karnataka Today newsletter, your guide from The Hindu on the major news stories to follow today. Curated and written by Nalme Nachiyar. 1. Survey reveals reduced lung function in Bengaluru’s frontline workers 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. The study, done by the VAAYU Occupational & Environmental Respiratory Illness Clinic (VOERIC), screened 4,517 BMTC drivers, 3,285 traffic police personnel, 2,169 construction workers and 379 pourakarmikas.
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