Survey reveals reduced lung function among Bengaluru frontline workers including BMTC drivers, traffic police, pourakarmikas

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.