BANGALORE: As they are constantly exposed to vehicular emissions for a prolonged period of time, they develop respiratory tract problems, lung infections, heart diseases and stress-related problems like headaches and sleeplessness. With the ongoing metro works on Mysore Road ( especially at Nayandahalli) Peenya, Magadi Road and Mariyappanapalya, among other places, the police on duty here are exposed to dust constantly.
Pulmonologist with Chinmanya Mission Hospital, Dr Dinesh, said, “As they stand for many hours on a stretch, they develop Deep Vein Thrombosis. Regular health check-ups including pulmonary function tests are a must for them. If the condition is not treated, they become vulnerable to lung failure and fibrosis.” He recommended medically approved masks to protect the police personnel from contracting infections and disorders.
When Dr T A Saleem was questioned if they have been supplied with these masks, he replied: “Ten masks made out of cloth-like material is being supplied to each cop. These ‘use and throw’ masks are convenient and easy to use.”
He explained that since the job entails whistling and talking, the other masks in the market proved to be inconvenient. “After much debate, we sticked to the use and throw masks. Sophisticated masks were found to be inconvenient,” he said. But traffic constables disagree. “Masks cover the mouth and nose thereby preventing sand and dust from entering our system. But the smoke entering the nose and mouth is not stopped,” said a constable, who wished to remain anonymous.