VIJAYAWADA: In a bid to help traffic cops combat air pollution, the Vijayawada police are planning to distribute anti-pollution masks (PM 2.5 masks) and filters to traffic cops to protect them from inhaling toxic fumes while performing duties at busy junctions in the city. The Vijayawada police will order 200 anti-pollution masks in two weeks from their own funds and the remaining will be ordered in a phased manner.
The Traffic police are on duty for almost eight hours a day, making them vulnerable to all kinds of pollutants. With the air quality index reaching beyond permissible levels at peak hours of the day, the health of traffic cops is getting affected. The cops often suffer from respiratory problems or heart diseases as they are constantly exposed to air pollution.
Performing duties at busy junctions like Benz Circle, Ramavarappadu Junction, Police Control Room, Kaleswararao Market, Chittinagar, Moghalrajapuram, Ramesh Hospital Junction, Seetharamapuram, Ajit Singh Nagar, NTR Circle, Patamata and Auto Nagar Gate is taking a toll on the health of traffic cops. A senior official said many traffic personnel are complaining about increasing pollution levels. The cloth masks being used by them is of little avail.
“After trying all kinds of anti-pollution gadgets available in the market, we have finally decided to give good quality and permanent masks to about 2,000 policemen so that they don’t inhale toxic fumes. We heard that PM 2.5 masks are air-tight and give proper protection. These masks are expensive and can be used for longer period,” he added.
Rising air pollution
Police personnel stationed at traffic junctions are the worst affected because of vehicular pollution
200 PM 2.5 masks to be distributed to traffic police in two weeks
All traffic cops to be given masks by this year-end
The air quality index parameters PM 2.5 and PM 10 are going beyond the standard values 60 and 100 ug/m3 respectively during peak hours according to Ambient Air Quality Station at MC Guest House
What is PM 2.5?
The term particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) refers to tiny particles or droplets in the air that are two and half microns or less in width