Lung diseases second biggest killer by 2010

Mumbai: A report says that by 2020, lung diseases will become the second biggest killer globally. A new study finds that nearly half of Mumbai's traffic cops have severely damaged lungs.

A 100 million Indians suffer from some sort of respiratory diseases. Inhaling heavy traffic fumes everyday; these traffic policemen are perhaps the worst hit by rising air pollution levels.

And to raise awareness about the health hazards from toxic pollutants, on World Spirometry Day, 115 traffic policemen underwent free lung tests at Mumbai's SevenHills Hospital. The results have left many short of breath.

45 per cent traffic policemen had abnormal test results with weak lungs and reduced lung efficiency.

20 per cent were caught in the early stages of lung malfunction.

And the high level of suspended particulate matter (SPM), does more damage than just affecting the lungs. Forty-year-old Suresh Patil has been in the midst of toxic fumes for 15 long years.

Suresh Patil, traffic policeman, Mumbai said, “Five or six years ago, I was posted in a highly polluted area, as a result I've lost all my hair and my skin is also affected. Doctors said it’s because of pollution.

And ones who are new to the service are fully aware of the threat, but there's little they can do.

Suhas Patil, another traffic policeman in Mumbai said, “My complexion has darkened and when I go back in the night I face breathing problems and allergies.”

Avinash Bairagi, traffic policeman, Mumbai said, “We can wear masks with the uniform but we can't see properly with it. It also doesn't look good with the uniform.”

But if detected early, lung diseases can be treated, so the patients should watch out for warning signs.