Nagpur: The term “toxic workplace” takes on a literal meaning for Nagpur’s traffic police, whose exposure to vehicular pollution has left them vulnerable to severe respiratory ailments, including Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Since Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Archit Chandak took charge of the Nagpur Traffic Department, the visibility of traffic police on city roads has significantly increased. However, this increased presence comes at a cost, with personnel managing traffic amidst toxic fumes.
Renowned pulmonologist Dr. Vivek Gupta, who has extensively studied the health effects of pollution, emphasized the alarming vulnerability of traffic police to respiratory illnesses. According to Dr. Gupta, many officers work without adequate protective gear, such as masks, relying instead on handkerchiefs, which offer minimal protection against pollutants.
Dr. Gupta, part of a research team at Bhopal’s Gandhi Medical College, Department of Chest Medicine, highlighted the findings of their study on traffic police personnel. “We observed that obstructive lung diseases, including asthma and COPD, are significantly more prevalent among traffic cops. They are 50% more prone to lung diseases compared to ordinary citizens. This is primarily due to prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide emitted by vehicles, which trigger inflammatory reactions in the lungs, leading to chronic respiratory issues,” he explained.
Importance of Visible Policing
Despite the health hazards, DCP Chandak stressed the importance of the visible presence of traffic police in ensuring adherence to traffic rules.
“Whether it’s two-wheeler riders or drivers of four-wheelers, we’ve observed that the presence of a traffic cop at junctions encourages citizens to follow traffic norms. This visibility is essential for maintaining discipline among motorists,” he said.
Health Measures for Traffic Personnel
Acknowledging the risks associated with vehicular pollution, the Nagpur Traffic Department has taken steps to safeguard the health of its personnel. “We are acutely aware of the health challenges our staff face due to exposure to toxic fumes,” said DCP Chandak.
“To address this, we have distributed masks and reflector jackets among traffic police. Additionally, all personnel recently underwent medical checkups, including hearing tests, and the results have been satisfactory,” he added.
