A cross-sectional study of pulmonary function test in traffic policemen of Gangtok, East Sikkim, North East India

Background: Vehicular or automobile emission constitutes a significant health injury to traffic policemen posted at thenumerous traffic junctions. Aim and Objectives: Evaluating the spirometric lung function test parameters of traffic policemen posted in Gangtok town and to compare and measure the findings with general police personnel and also to study the effect of exposure to long-term automobile pollution. Materials and Methods: In this study, after matching for anthropometric variables such as weight, height, and body mass index, 40 traffic policemen were taken as case and 40 general duty policemen were taken as control groups. The exclusion criteria were duly screened, and only those subject who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included after which the spirometric pulmonary function tests (PFT) ‘s evaluation was done. The indices measured in the study included (1) Forced vital capacity (FVC) (2) Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (3) FEV1/FVC ratio (4) Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) (5) Forced mid expiratory flow (FEF 25–75%). Spirometric indices of the subjects and controls were statistically analyzed using the student’s t test and p value computed against the degree of freedom. Results: The traffic policemen showed decline in various PFT indices as compared to controls in terms of FVC(L), FEV1 (L), FEV1/FVC, FEF 25–75%, PEFR, although it was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The traffic policemen working in Gangtok town had decreased PFT, although it was not statistically significant in this study. Even then, we strongly recommend for the adoption and practice of various preventive measure from vehicular pollution and conduction of further studies on larger samples.

Respiratory Effects of Exposure to High Levels of Particulate Among Malaysian Traffic Police

Abstract@#Introduction: Malaysian traffic police are always working on the public roads to alleviate traffic congestion and therefore exposed them to the polluted air every day. In particular, polluted air containing PM2.5 is dangerous to their respiratory health as they can penetrate deep into the lungs, leading to bronchitis, lung cancer and many more. Hence, this research examined the relationship of personal exposure level to PM2.5 with respiratory symptoms among traffic policemen in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru. Methods: 134 participants among traffic policemen were agreed to participate in this study. They were requested to complete a questionnaire regarding the sociodemographic background and respiratory health information. The questionnaire was adopted from International Union Against Tuberculosis Lung Diseases (1986). Personal exposure level of PM2.5 was measured using an air pump with 5.0µm pore size PVC filter. Results: The mean exposure level of PM2.5 among traffic policemen was 28.69 µg/m3. It was found that some of them possess respiratory symptoms (Coughing 33.6%, Phlegm 25.4%, Wheezing 14.9% and Shortness of breath 32.1%). There was significant association detected at p-value < 0.05 in coughing. Despite, there was no significant association in other symptoms such as phlegm, wheezing and shortness of breath. Conclusions: Traffic police were exposed to a relatively high level of PM2.5 (12.4 µg/m3 to 55.3 µg/m3) and showed symptoms of respiratory effects. Therefore, recognition of the risks connected with occupational lung disease and exposure monitoring must be a high priority. This baseline data can serve as a reference to the top management of traffic police officers in order to develop an occupational safety and health guideline for police officers as required by Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA, Act 514 1994).

Effects Of Air Pollutants On Lung Functions Of Traffic Policemen Of Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India

Background- Maximum Air pollution is at road side. It can cause acute and chronic respiratory diseases. Traffic policemen are continuously exposed to pollutants. Study was done for lung function assessment of traffic policemen of Ujjain city. Methodology- Detailed history and clinical examination were done. Spirometry was done before and after duty with Spirolab III machine. Results-100 traffic policemen 98% were male and 2% female. Duty place- roadside-90% and office -10%.Daily exposure- 63% were 6 hours or less and 37% were more than 6 hours. Service length- 79% had 10 years or more period. Spirometry results were pre duty 60% normal , 33% restrictive, 4% obstructive and 3% mixed . Air quality index of Ujjain was good and satisfactory. Conclusion-Spirometry is a good tool for lung function assessment and diseases (asthma, COPD) detection. Regular health check-ups, spirometry, facemask use and quit smoking are essential for healthy lungs.

Relationship between hyperuricemia and cardiovascular risk factors among outdoor male traffic policemen / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To comprehend the prevalence status of elevated serum uric acid(SUA) and investigate the relationship between elevated SUA and cardiovascular risk factors and the clustering of the cardiovascular risk factors among outdoor male traffic policemen. METHODS: Selected by convenience sampling,1 039 outdoor traffic policemen in Guangzhou were asked to complete a questionnaire survey,physical and laboratory examination. According to the level of SUA > 420. 00 μmol/L or not,they were divided into elevated SUA group and control group. RESULTS: The median SUA level of outdoor male traffic policemen was 431. 00 μmol/L,and the elevated SUA prevalence was 56. 3%. The length of working years,systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure,and levels of serum triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(TC),low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),and serum creatinine(Scr) in the elevated SUA group were statistically higher than the control group(P < 0. 01). The high density lipoprotein cholesterol level was lower in the control group than that in the elevated SUA group(P < 0. 01). After adjusting for age and alcohol consumption,the results of multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that outdoor traffic policemen who suffer from overweight or obesity,elevated TG and elevated TC have more risk in suffering from elevated SUA(P < 0. 05). The odds ratios(ORs) and 95%confidence intervals(CIs) were 2. 347(1. 772-3. 109),2. 040(1. 517-2. 743) and 1. 431(1. 080-1. 896) respectively.The risk factors of suffering from elevated SUA increased along with the increase of outdoor working years or Scr level(P <0. 05). The ORs and 95% CIs were 1. 028(1. 004-1. 054) and 1. 048(1. 033-1. 062) respectively. The proportion of people with elevated SUA among outdoor traffic policemen increased with the increase of cardiovascular risk factors(P <0. 01). The risk of elevated SUA among outdoor male traffic policemen who have 1,2,3,4 and ≥5 cardiovascular risk factors were 1. 583,2. 351,4. 657,2. 865 and 13. 576 times higher than those without cardiovascular risk factor respectively(P < 0. 05). CONCLUSION: Among outdoor male traffic policemen,elevated SUA are closely associated with the cardiovascular risk factors. The risk factors of suffering from elevated SUA increased with clustering of cardiovascular risk factors.

Analysis of effect of different training programs of pre hospital emergency treatment for highway traffic policemen / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective Through investigation and training in the knowledge and skills of pre hospital emergency treatment in Xuzhou highway traffic policemen,we explored a more targeted and more effective first-aid skills training program.Methods Based on our hospital emergency center 91 highway traffic policemen were randomly assigned to 3 first aid skills training groups,group 1 received theoretical training and operational training,group 2 was given the same theoretical training and operational training after DVD player,group 3 took the same method as that of group 2,besides,situational training was given to group 3.The emergency treatment technique was evaluated post training.Results After the training,the scores of 3 groups were different from each other,group 3 had the best results compared with group 1 and group 2.Conclusions The highway traffic policemen had poor emergency treatment knowledge.They should be trained with first aid knowledge and skills as well as cardiopulmonary resuscitation training.

Study of Pulmonary Function Tests of Traffic Policemen In Jammu Region.

The present study was carried out to assess the lung functions of traffic policemen in Jammu region. A cross sectional study was carried out among 100 traffic policemen and compared with healthy persons with the subgroup comparison among rural and urban areas. Lung function like FVC, FEV1 , FEV3,PEFR & MVV on computerized spirometry. The results revealed that all lung functions were lower than the healthy controls and differences were statistically marked in FVC,FEV1, ,PEFR. Intergroup comparison between rural and urban revealed that police personnel's posted in rural areas had better lung function than urban counterpart which varied among each other statistically significantly .(FVC -0.04,FEV1- 0.0003,FEV3-0.0001,MVV-0.003,PEFR-0.03). The traffic policemen exposed to air pollution have lower lung function than the healthy persons and those posted at rural areas have better lung function

Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practices of traffic policemen regarding the auditory effects of noise.

The objectives of the present study were to (i) estimate noise levels at major traffic junctions in Bengaluru City, and (ii) assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of traffic policemen deputed at those junctions towards the auditory effects caused by noise pollution. The present questionnaire based study was carried among 60 traffic policemen. Road traffic noise was measured at different places in Bengaluru city using Sound level meter and it ranged from 71.2 to 91 dB. The questionnaire included the questions regarding the self assessment of the policemen about their hearing ability, past and present exposure to loud sound and the use of personal protective devices such as ear plugs and ear muffs. The questionnaire was filled by the subjects and the data was analyzed. The mean age was 42.2±7.4 years and the mean year of exposure was 10.82±8.53 yrs. Only 3.33% of the subjects felt that their hearing ability was below average. Thirteen subjects reported that they usually missed some conversation over phone while 25% reported similar condition while talking to someone in crowd. 16.66% had work related tinnitus (> once a day) and experienced it more during working hours. None of them used ear plugs/ ear muffs and the reason for non-usage was nonavailability (100%). The self assessment of hearing by traffic policemen suggests that most of the traffic policemen have normal hearing. However, a systematic study with Audiometry of these subjects is recommended.

Cytogenetic evaluation of traffic policemen occupationally exposed to vehicular exhaust.

Background & objectives: Automobile exhaust consists of many toxic components and is considered to be a major health concern in urban areas. Traffic policemen are occupationally exposed to vehicular exhaust during the traffic control. Hence, the present study was aimed to evaluate genotoxic effects of vehicular exhaust in traffic policemen in Hyderabad, south India. Methods: Analysis of chromosomal aberrations was carried out in 136 traffic policemen, including 78 non smokers and 58 smokers who were exposed to vehicular exhaust for a period of 1-28 yr. For comparison, 115 healthy males including 69 non smokers and 46 smokers of the same age group and socio-economic status (who were not exposed to any chemical or radiation at their workplace) were studied. Results: A significant increase (P<0.05) was observed in the mean frequency of chromosomal aberrations in non smoker and smoker traffic policemen (6.48 and 8.96 respectively) when compared to their respective control groups (3.35 and 4.30). According to the age a significant increase in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations was observed both in control and exposed groups (P<0.05). As the duration of exposure increased in traffic policemen, there was a corresponding increase in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations. Interpretation & conclusions: Cytogenetic damage was more pronounced in smokers when compared to non smokers. Age and duration of exposure also appear to play a vital role in causing cytogenetic damage. Thus the present study suggests that the induction of cytogenetic damage might be due to the cumulative effect of smoking, age and duration of exposure to vehicular exhaust.

Study on Effect of Traffic Exhaust Pollution on Saturation of Carboxyhemoglobin in Traffic Policemen / 环境与健康杂志

Objective To study the effect of automobile exhaust pollution saturation of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) in traffic policemen. Methods 169 traffic policemen working outdoors were selected as a exposure group and 112 traffic policemen working indoors as control group in a traffic policemen detachment in Tangshan. Questionnaires and health examination were conducted in two groups. The carbon monoxide levels in the exhalation were measured in 281 traffic policemen by a micro_smokerlyzer and the corresponding saturation of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) were read. Results The higher saturation of carboxyhemoglobin were observed in exposure group (2.30%?1.49%) compared with those (1.71%?0.99%) in control group (P

The Effects of Air Pollution on Respiratory Health in Traffic Policemen in Nanning City / 环境与健康杂志

Objective To assess the effects of air pollution on health of traffic policemen. Methods Sampling and the analysis of air pollution were conducted according to China national standards. 214 traffic policemen were investigated. Of them 149 were working on the streets and 65 were working in the office (taken as the control). Individual respiratory symptoms occupational histories and medical records were obtained using standardized questionnaire. Results The prevalence rates of cough and expectoration excessive phlegm eyes and throat unwell fatigue in policemen working on the streets were significantly higher than that in policemen working in the office and were correlated to the level of air pollution(P