Evaluation of impact of ambient air pollution on respiratory health of traffic police in Kolkata

BACKGROUND: Air pollution is associated with a broad spectrum of an environmental health problem, caused by increased urbanization and population, globally. Emission of pollutants was strongly implicated in acute morbidity and mortality associated with severe pollution. Traffic cops are most vulnerable due to the nature of their job, continuously exposed to toxic pollutants. AIM OF STUDY: The study aimed to assess the physical and respiratory morbidities of traffic cops due to the effect of environmental pollutants. METHODOLOGY: Air quality data were collected by the Central Pollution Control Board. Traffic cops were selected from three traffic zones of the city. Anthropometric data were collected by anthropometric instruments. Health assessment was performed via the questionnaire method. Pulmonary function parameters were recorded via digital spirometer. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Collected data were analyzed statistically via SPSS (V-16.0). RESULTS: Particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) and PM 10 found to be dominant pollutants in three zones of Kolkata. Air Quality Index values are high in winter. Any type of respiratory symptom is highest in the north, followed by the south and central zones. In the central zone, forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced expiratory flow from 25% to 75% values significantly changed with work exposure. The habit of smoking also showed a significant effect on pulmonary function test (PFT) parameters. The difference of the change in PFT among the three zones was found significant. CONCLUSION: The result of the study indicates that outdoor environmental exposure creates detrimental effects on lung function parameters of traffic cops among the three zones of Kolkata. Use of mask, healthy food intake, performing exercise, and regular medical check are suggested to prevent respiratory damages of police personnel.