Study Reveals Reduced Lung Function Among Bengaluru Frontline Workers

A three-year study in Bengaluru has found that over 10,000 frontline workers, including BMTC drivers, traffic police, pourakarmikas, and construction workers, are experiencing reduced lung function due to exposure to polluted air. Pourakarmikas showed the highest proportion of reduced lung capacity at 45%. The study also revealed high levels of obesity among these workers, with pourakarmikas having the highest proportion at 62%.

Key facts

• Over 10,000 frontline workers in Bengaluru are experiencing reduced lung function.
• Pourakarmikas showed the highest proportion of reduced lung capacity at 45%.
• High levels of obesity were found among these workers, with pourakarmikas having the highest proportion at 62%.
• A significant number of workers did not use masks, with 88.2% of BMTC drivers, 55% of traffic police, 37.9% of construction workers, and 16.3% of pourakarmikas not using masks.

Sources

• The Hindu