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Introduction: Air pollution is a major environment related health threat. Air quality crisis in Indian cities is mainly due to emission from vehicles which include various particles and gases from vehicular emission. Traffic policemen who work in the busy traffic signal areas for years together are constantly exposed to this pollutant making them susceptible to its adverse effects, like respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Objectives: To compare different parameters of pulmonary function test (PFT) between non-smoker controls and non-smoker traffic policemen, and also between smoker controls and smoker traffic policemen. Methods: This study was carried out in Department of Physiology among the government servants not exposed to traffic pollution and traffic policemen exposed to vehicular pollution. PFT was conducted in both these groups and parameters like vital capacity (VC), FEV1-force expiratory volume at the end of 1 second, ratio of forced expiratory volume at first second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC%), mid-expiratory flow rate (FEV25-75%) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were measured and compared between these two groups. Results: In the present study, traffic policemen (non smoker) showed a statistically significant reduction in VC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC%, FEV25-75, and PEFR compared to controls (non smoker) whereas traffic policemen (smoker) showed a statistically significant reduction in VC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC%, FEV25-75%, and PEFR compared to controls (smoker). Conclusion: Significant reduction in all the parameters in traffic policemen compared to control group proves that preventive measures like pollution masks, regular breathing exercises, etc., have to be implemented at the workplace to reduce health hazards of continuous exposure to traffic dust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Air pollution is a major environment related health threat. Air quality crisis in Indian cities is mainly due to emission from vehicles which include various particles and gases from vehicular emission. Traffic policemen who work in the busy traffic signal areas for years together are constantly exposed to this pollutant making them susceptible to its adverse effects, like respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Objectives: To compare different parameters of pulmonary function test (PFT) between non-smoker controls and non-smoker traffic policemen, and also between smoker controls and smoker traffic policemen. Methods: This study was carried out in Department of Physiology among the government servants not exposed to traffic pollution and traffic policemen exposed to vehicular pollution. PFT was conducted in both these groups and parameters like vital capacity (VC), FEV1-force expiratory volume at the end of 1 second, ratio of forced expiratory volume at first second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC%), mid-expiratory flow rate (FEV25-75%) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were measured and compared between these two groups. Results: In the present study, traffic policemen (non smoker) showed a statistically significant reduction in VC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC%, FEV25-75, and PEFR compared to controls (non smoker) whereas traffic policemen (smoker) showed a statistically significant reduction in VC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC%, FEV25-75%, and PEFR compared to controls (smoker). Conclusion: Significant reduction in all the parameters in traffic policemen compared to control group proves that preventive measures like pollution masks, regular breathing exercises, etc., have to be implemented at the workplace to reduce health hazards of continuous exposure to traffic dust.

Context: Air pollution is a major public health problem in the present Indian cities, due to unplanned urbanization and increased use of vehicles. Traffic policemen, due to the nature of their job and working atmosphere, are more prone to develop respiratory problems such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, rhinitis, recurrent respiratory tract infections, and others. Objectives: The objective was to find out the respiratory morbidities and to assess their pulmonary function using computerized spirometry among traffic policemen in Bengaluru city. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of 6 months (from January 2018 to June 2018) in randomly selected traffic police stations in South Bengaluru, Karnataka. Subjects and Methods: A pretested, semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on the demographic profile, duration of exposure, smoking history, allergy/asthma history, and the use of personal protective measures. Pulmonary function test (PFT) was done to assess the lung function using computerized spirometry. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were entered and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2016 version. Results: A total of 217 traffic policemen were included in the study. The mean duration of working in the traffic department was 5.9 ± 6.6 years (mean ± standard deviation). Among them, 101 (46.5%) used personal protective measures. Allergic rhinitis was reported by 38 (17.5%) individuals, and 28 (12.9%) individuals had chest symptoms (cough and breathing difficulty). Among them, 44 (20.3%) experienced exacerbation of these symptoms at the workplace. Observed mean values of all parameters in the PFT were less than their predicted (expected) values. Conclusions: There was increased burden of respiratory problems and lower lung volumes and flows among traffic policemen.

Background: Varicose veins (VVs) are swollen, twisted veins usually occur in skin but can also be seen in other parts of body. VVs are most commonly seen in families as a hereditary component and are of high risk in older, female, obese, and pregnant women and long-standing workers. Aim: This study aims to study the awareness of VV among traffic policemen. Materials and Methods: The questionnaire used in this study has a total of 11 questions, the questions regarding the knowledge of causes, signs, symptoms, prevention, and treatment were included in the questionnaire. The questions regarding the knowledge about the prevention and treatment were in the yes/no format, and if yes, then they were asked for any preventive measures or treatment which they know to overcome the VV problem. Results: From our study, 92.5% were aware of the causes of VVs, in which obesity (22.5%) was the most common cause of VVs followed by hereditary (20%) and aging (20%). Conclusion: From our study, we conclude that majority of the traffic policemen have knowledge about VVs and our study will be helpful to analyze how much additional knowledge they have about the preventive measures and the treatment of VVs. This study will be helpful to create awareness of VVs even among the traffic policemen who are prone to have VVs so that they can prevent them in their further practice as traffic policemen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Air pollution is a major public health problem in the present Indian cities, due to unplanned urbanization and increased use of vehicles. Traffic policemen, due to the nature of their job and working atmosphere, are more prone to develop respiratory problems such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, rhinitis, recurrent respiratory tract infections, and others. Objectives: The objective was to find out the respiratory morbidities and to assess their pulmonary function using computerized spirometry among traffic policemen in Bengaluru city. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of 6 months (from January 2018 to June 2018) in randomly selected traffic police stations in South Bengaluru, Karnataka. Subjects and Methods: A pretested, semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on the demographic profile, duration of exposure, smoking history, allergy/asthma history, and the use of personal protective measures. Pulmonary function test (PFT) was done to assess the lung function using computerized spirometry. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were entered and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2016 version. Results: A total of 217 traffic policemen were included in the study. The mean duration of working in the traffic department was 5.9 ± 6.6 years (mean ± standard deviation). Among them, 101 (46.5%) used personal protective measures. Allergic rhinitis was reported by 38 (17.5%) individuals, and 28 (12.9%) individuals had chest symptoms (cough and breathing difficulty). Among them, 44 (20.3%) experienced exacerbation of these symptoms at the workplace. Observed mean values of all parameters in the PFT were less than their predicted (expected) values. Conclusions: There was increased burden of respiratory problems and lower lung volumes and flows among traffic policemen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the health effect of heavy metal pollution in air pollutants on traffic policemen. This study will facilitate the scientific evaluation of health status of traffic policemen. PM10 samples were collected from industrial area, congested traffic area and residential area respectively in Nanchang City, and the concentrations of heavy metals were analyzed. The traffic policemen were examined through chest X-rays. The total of 637 urine samples and 142 blood samples have been collected, and the concentrations of Pb in samples were detected. Vehicle flux data of Nanchang City were collected from the Department of Transport's Traffic Management. Statistic analyses were carried out by statistics software of Excel 2003 and SPSS20.0, and the health effect of heavy metal pollution of PM10 on the traffic policemen was evaluated. The discharge of pollutants from enterprises is an important reason for the high content of heavy metals in urban air pollution. With the rapid growth of urban traffic flow, Bayi Bridge becomes an important transportation hinge in Nanchang City, and the bidirectional traffic flow rate through the bridge at peak hours reached 99 vehicles per minute. The latent hazard of occupational harm on the traffic policemen caused by automobile exhaust is increasing. The concentration of Pb in the urine and blood samples from traffic policemen working in Nanchang City was 268.310 ± 177.031 and 22.873 ± 21.137 μg/L, respectively. Both results (2.04% of Pb in urine and 18.31% of Pb in blood) exceeded the highest limit of observed occupationally outdoor workers. This study provides an initial contribution for the assessment of city air pollution, esp. the health effect of heavy metal (Pb) pollution on traffic policemen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Health of a person is largely affected by the environment in which they work, thus making occupation an important determinant of health. More than 80% of the global burden of occupational disease is borne by people in the developing countries. The health hazards get more severe when the duration of exposure increases and it is more important in situations among the personnel engaged in traffic duty. Aim: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with respiratory, eye and ear morbidities among traffic police in Nashik city. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, total 196 traffic police of Nashik city between 20-60 years age during February-April 2018 were included. Institutional ethics committee approval, informed consent from participants was taken. A semi-structured interview schedule, clinical examination and clinical tests were used to collect the data. Chi-square test was used for data analysis with the help of SPSS Inc. statistical software for Windows Version 18.0. Results: Most (175; 89.3%) of the traffic police personnel were males and mean age of participants was 40.4 years. Prevalence of respiratory, eye and ear morbidity was 29.6%, 25.0% and 20.4% respectively. Restrictive lung disease (17.9%), was the most common respiratory morbidity. Refractive error (14.8%), was the most common eye morbidity while sensorineural hearing loss (Right ear: 21.6%; Left ear: 4.2%) was the most common ear morbidity. Old age (> 40 years), ≥10 years service duration and presence of co-morbidities (Diabetes, Hypertension etc.,) were significantly associated with respiratory and ear diseases. Eye disease was not associated with any factor studied. Conclusion: The respiratory health problem was the most common morbidity in traffic police. Age (≥40 years) and long service duration were significantly associated with respiratory and ear diseases.

Introduction: The traffic policemen are engaged in controlling ve- hicular traffic and are typically exposed to higher concentrations of transport related air pollution as well as noise pollution daily. Hence they are at a risk of developing various health problems due to their occupation. The study was conducted to compare morbidity profile of traffic policemen with non traffic policemen Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out on 114 traffic po- licemen and 114 non-traffic policemen. History regarding symp- toms, history of present illness, past history, personal and family history was obtained. Statistical analysis was done with the help of percentages, chi-square test and ‘t’ test. Results: Annoyance to noise (51.75%) was the most common symptoms experienced at work place by the traffic policemen as compared to the non-traffic policemen. Respiratory morbidities were found significantly more in the traffic policemen. The traffic policemen (92.30%) had more cardiovascular disease risk than the non-traffic policemen (75%). Conclusions: Respiratory morbidity like URTI and chronic rhinitis were found significantly more in the traffic policemen than non- traffic policemen.

Introduction: Health of a person is largely affected by the environment in which they work, thus making occupation an important determinant of health. More than 80% of the global burden of occupational disease is borne by people in the developing countries. The health hazards get more severe when the duration of exposure increases and it is more important in situations among the personnel engaged in traffic duty. Aim: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with respiratory, eye and ear morbidities among traffic police in Nashik city. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, total 196 traffic police of Nashik city between 20-60 years age during February-April 2018 were included. Institutional ethics committee approval, informed consent from participants was taken. A semi-structured interview schedule, clinical examination and clinical tests were used to collect the data. Chi-square test was used for data analysis with the help of SPSS Inc. statistical software for Windows Version 18.0. Results: Most (175; 89.3%) of the traffic police personnel were males and mean age of participants was 40.4 years. Prevalence of respiratory, eye and ear morbidity was 29.6%, 25.0% and 20.4% respectively. Restrictive lung disease (17.9%), was the most common respiratory morbidity. Refractive error (14.8%), was the most common eye morbidity while sensorineural hearing loss (Right ear: 21.6%; Left ear: 4.2%) was the most common ear morbidity. Old age (> 40 years), =10 years service duration and presence of co-morbidities (Diabetes, Hypertension etc.,) were significantly associated with respiratory and ear diseases. Eye disease was not associated with any factor studied. Conclusion: The respiratory health problem was the most common morbidity in traffic police. Age (=40 years) and long service duration were significantly associated with respiratory and ear diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted on a group of 90 traffic policemen aged 20-50 years and working in and around Patiala district to assess their knowledge, attitude, and practices toward the ill effects caused by traffic noise on health. The subjects were required to fill up a questionnaire regarding their self-assessment of hearing ability, noise-related attitudes, and the use of personal protective equipment such as earplugs. The mean age of subjects was 39.8 ± 5.80 years, while the mean duration of exposure to traffic noise was 10.56 ± 6.43 years. Only 5.5% subjects felt that their hearing was below average. As many as 61% subjects had work-related tinnitus. It was observed that none of them had ever used ear plugs, mainly due to their non availability. The self-assessment of hearing by traffic policemen indicated that most of them had normal hearing. However, to find out the exact number of cases with hearing impairment, further evaluation with audiometry is recommended in them.

Introduction The aim of our study is to evaluate the changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in two occupational categories: outdoor workers (traffic policemen and environment technicians) and indoor workers. Materials and methods The study was conducted comparing the results obtained from three samples of male workers: 175 outdoor traffic policemen, 175 outdoor environment technicians and 175 indoor workers. The outdoor and indoor groups were made comparable by age, length of service, body mass index, alcohol consumption, smoking status. Results The mean values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure were found higher in traffic policemen and technicians than in indoor workers, as well as higher values of systolic blood pressure in traffic policemen than in technicians. Conclusions The results suggest that outdoor working affects the blood pressure, contributing to an increased cardiovascular risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) and carbonyl compounds (CCs) are recognized traffic-related air pollutants in urban environments and are the focus of this study. In Bangkok, the BTEX and CC concentrations in both ambient air and personal exposure samples were studied during two periods (April–May and August–September 2014) at four different sampling sites around the Pathumwan District (three intersections and one T-junction). Traffic policemen, representing the high-exposure group for these toxic air pollutants, were observed, and the health risk to these workers was evaluated. Toluene was the predominant aromatic compound in the ambient and personal exposure samples. The maximum average ambient concentration of BTEX was 2968.96 μg/m 3 . Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde were the most abundant CCs at all of the sampling sites, with the greatest mean concentrations of these substances being 21.50 μg/m 3 and 64.82 μg/m 3 , respectively. In the personal exposure samples, the highest levels of BTEX, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde concentrations were 2231.85 μg/m 3 , 10.61 μg/m 3 , and 16.03 μg/m 3 , respectively. In terms of risk assessment, benzene posed the greatest cancer risk (at the 95% CI), followed by toluene, acetaldehyde and formaldehyde (1.15E-02, 5.14E-03, 2.84E-04, and 2.52E-04, respectively). Three risk factors were investigated to reduce the total cancer risk levels: reducing the chemical concentration, exposure time and exposure duration. The use of a mask (chemical concentration) was the best way to reduce the risk to traffic police. However, the risk value of benzene (average 1.57E-05) was still higher than an acceptable value when using a mask. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of poor air quality are a serious issue in urban areas, wherever most people live and work. Precise monitoring of air quality in real-time is crucial to enable prompt and fitting resolutions for outdoor workers and the public. This study is meant to provide information and to understand current knowledge on the use of mobile wireless sensor network for outdoor air pollution assessments and monitoring. A search of the literature was carried out using an appropriate query for the search of papers across various databases. Majority of the previous studies researched have reported that mobile wireless sensors are versatile and could be applied in exposure assessments and monitoring of outdoor air quality. The reviewed articles proved that mobile wireless sensors are a practical device that can effectively detect air pollution and will facilitate to boost the protection of the community, personal health care as well as environmental monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Air pollution due to road traffic is a serious health hazard and thus the persons who are continuously exposed, may be at an increased risk. Although several studies have confirmed the ill effects of air pollutants on the lung function of traffic policemen, only a few have investigated the relationship between respiratory health and duration of exposure in this category of occupationally exposed persons. Aim: The study was carried out with the aim of evaluating the extent of impairment in lung function in traffic policemen in respect to an unexposed control group having the same age group. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which the spirometric parameters of a group of 100 nonsmoking traffic policemen, aged 20-55 years, working in and around Patiala city, were compared with those obtained in an age-matched control group, consisting of 100 healthy males, serving in the Punjab Police, who have never done traffic duty and are thus not exposed to traffic pollution. Lung function was done with MEDSPIROR. The data on the overall health status of the subjects was collected using the standard Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire. The statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS PC software version 13. Results: Traffic policemen recorded a significant decline in various parameters, such as forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1 ), and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) when compared with controls, and is probably due to exposure to vehicular pollution. It was also observed that in traffic policemen with >8 years of exposure, the values of FVC (2.7 L), FEV 1 (1.8 L), and PEFR (7.5 L/s) were significantly lower than those obtained in traffic policemen with

Health is not something that one possesses as a commodity, but connotes rather a way of functioning within one's environment (work, recreation and living). This fact is more important in situations as the personnel engaged in traffic duty. Due to their nature of duty traffic police personnel are suffering from many health hazards like skin irritations, hearing problems, arthropathy, photosensitivity, lung diseases, certain cardiovascular diseases, cancers etc. The study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding health hazards management against traffic pollution among traffic policemen working at selected Districts of Punjab. A descriptive study was conducted in District Bathinda and sample size was 60 traffic policemen who were working at traffic intersections. Structured knowledge questionnaire, likert scale and observational practice checklist was used to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices health hazards management against traffic pollution among traffic policemen. The findings of the study revealed that most of the traffic policemen (75%) had average knowledge, 86.7% had favourable attitude and all traffic policemen had poor practices regarding health hazards management against traffic pollution. There was no relation between knowledge and attitude, positive co-relation between knowledge & practices and attitude & practices. Place of posting and attended any educational programme on traffic pollution and its health hazards had association with knowledge of traffic policemen and no association of attitude and practice with demographic variables It was concluded that traffic policemen had average knowledge, favourable attitude and poor practices regarding health hazards management against traffic pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a high frequency sensory-neural hearing loss and exposure to traffic noise by traffic policemen makes them susceptible to develop NIHL. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and correlates of NIHL among traffic policemen in the city of Colombo, Sri Lanka. A cross sectional study was carried out using 350 traffic policemen who are working in the city at least six months of duration. Pure-tone audiometry test and interviewer-administered questionnaire were used to assess hearing and correlates of NIHL, respectively. The chi-square test and logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between risk factors and NIHL. 287 policemen attended pure-tone audiometry test to check their hearing. Of 287 subjects, the prevalence of NIHL was found in 118 policemen (41%; 95% CI: 36%-47%). Of those with any type of NIHL, 33% (39/118) had major NIHL while 67% (79/118) had minor NIHL. In bivariate analysis 23 variables showed statistically significant association with mild and major NIHL. Multivariate logistic regression modelling found statistically significant association between "duration of employment as a policeman" and any type of NIHL (OR = 1.007; 95% CI = 1.005-1.009), adjusted for 23 variables including age. The prevalence of NIHL among traffic policemen in the city was high. Of those with any type of NIHL, one-third had major NIHL. Traffic policemen should undergo periodic hearing assessment. The police department should explore the feasibility of reducing the number of hours per day spent on the road by traffic policemen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is a major source of air pollution but the impact on health in Nigeria is not well described. Patients and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study of road traffic workers and university students in Lagos. Eligible, accessible and willing participants were included in the sample. Respiratory symptoms and anthropometry were obtained from all the participants using an adapted Medical Research Council (MRC) questionnaire and they all did a spirometry test and exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) test. Results: Fifty-nine individuals participated with complete data, including 47 traffic policemen and 12 students who acted as controls. The mean age (SD) was 35.1 (8.0) and 35.4 years (6.3) for the traffic workers and students, respectively. All the respondents were men. The mean (SD) duration of occupation as a traffic policeman was 4.4 (4.4) and a median of 4 years (range 1-25). There was no significant difference in the presentation of respiratory and non-respiratory symptoms between the two groups. Compared with the students, the traffic workers had higher age, height and sex adjusted forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity. Traffic policemen had significantly higher levels of exhaled CO than the students (1.18 vs 0.73 ppm, P < 0.006). Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of respiratory symptoms in both traffic policemen and non-traffic residents of Lagos metropolis, indicating widespread pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted on a group of 90 traffic policemen aged 20-50 years and working in and around Patiala district to assess their knowledge, attitude, and practices toward the ill effects caused by traffic noise on health. The subjects were required to fill up a questionnaire regarding their self-assessment of hearing ability, noise-related attitudes, and the use of personal protective equipment such as earplugs. The mean age of subjects was 39.8 ± 5.80 years, while the mean duration of exposure to traffic noise was 10.56 ± 6.43 years. Only 5.5% subjects felt that their hearing was below average. As many as 61% subjects had work-related tinnitus. It was observed that none of them had ever used ear plugs, mainly due to their non availability. The self-assessment of hearing by traffic policemen indicated that most of them had normal hearing. However, to find out the exact number of cases with hearing impairment, further evaluation with audiometry is recommended in them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The technological and industrial progress together with the intensification of vehicular traffic and the adoption of new social habits are the cause of an increasing noise pollution with possible negative effects on the auditory system. This study aims to assess the noise exposure levels and the effects on the hearing threshold in outdoor and indoor male workers of a big Italian city. The study was carried out on 357 outdoor male workers, exposed to urban noise and on a control group of 357 unexposed indoor workers. Noise levels were measured in 30 outdoor and indoor areas. The subjects underwent tonal liminal audiometry in order to determine the value of their hearing threshold. During their working activity, outdoor and indoor workers are exposed to different noise levels LEX<80dB(A). At mid–low frequencies (250–2000Hz), the results show significant differences in the average values of hearing threshold between the two groups in both ears and for all age classes; there are no significant differences between the two groups at higher frequencies. The outdoor noise levels measured are not usually ototoxic and the hearing loss at mid–low frequencies is not characteristic of the exposure to industrial noise. For these reasons the Authors hypothesize that the results may be due to the combined effect of the exposure to noise and to ototoxic air pollutants. The impairment of speech frequencies is disabling and involves the risk of missed forensic recognition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Traffic policemen are in outdoor environment exposed to dust and other pollutants without any preventive measures making them susceptible for compromised lung functions with time being. Aims & Objective: Examination and comparative analysis of effects of exposure to environmental pollution on PEFR, MVV, FEV1, FVC between policemen in traffic and General duty in Dhule, Maharashtra. Materials and Methods: The Study was carried out from 1st to 30th November 2011. Study group included 50 traffic policemen and 60 policemen in general duty. Subjects were selected randomly with age, height and weight matched from nonsmoker policemen's fulfilling inclusion criteria's. Results: Group A policemen had statistically significant (p<0.01) lower levels of FVC, FEV1, PEFR, MMV values compared to their predictive values. Policemen in Group A had lower FVC by 0.32L, FEV1 by 0.21L/min and FEV1/FVC ratio was higher by 6.8% than the Group B (p<0.01).Percent to the predicted of value of FVC & FEV1 was lower by 11.8% and 10.2% respectively while FEV1/FVC ratio was 7.3% greater than Group B policemen (p<0.01). Forced vital capacity (FVC) of 30.8% was mildly reduced and in 17.3% it was moderately affected in Group A. Conclusion: There is significant decrement in lung function parameters in the traffic policemen in both the groups with more reduction in those regularly exposed to vehicle exhaust as compared to others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this pilot study, an exposure-response assessment (aged 16 to 60 years, n = 1,012) was carried out related to eye problems due to vehicular fumes during the winter of 2003. Inhalable particles

Context: Arsenic is a ubiquitous element present in urban air as a pollutant, and it may interfere with thyroid hormones. Objective: To evaluate the association between the personal exposure to arsenic and levels of TSH, fT4, fT3, and Tg in urban and rural workers. Materials and methods: Total urinary arsenic and thyroid markers were obtained from 108 non-smoking traffic policemen and 77 subjects working as roadmen in a rural area. Fifty subjects were monitored to evaluate airborne exposure to arsenic. Results: The mean value of exposure to arsenic was 2.9 µg/m3 in traffic policemen, while the mean value was less than 0.1 µg/m3 in roadmen. The mean values of urinary arsenic (10.4 μg/g creatinine vs. 5.2 μg/g creatinine; p = 0.000), TSH (1.6 µlU/ml vs. 1.3 µlU/ml; p = 0.006), fT3 (3.5 pg/ml vs. 3.7 pg/ml; p = 0.000), fT4 (1.2 ng/dl vs. 1.3 ng/dl; p = 0.000) and Tg (42.8 ng/ml vs. 36.1 ng/ml; p = 0.04) were significantly different between traffic policemen and roadmen. In traffic policemen, urinary arsenic and arsenic in the air were correlated to the airborne arsenic and TSH values, respectively. Urinary arsenic was correlated to TSH, Tg, fT3, and fT4 values. The multiple linear regression models showed the following associations: i) among urinary arsenic, arsenic in the air and job title; ii) among TSH, fT3, Tg and urinary arsenic; and iii) between fT4 and both urinary arsenic and alcohol intake. Conclusion: These results provide information about the relationship between exposure to arsenic and thyroid markers and may be useful for other categories of outdoor workers who are similarly exposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Air pollution due to road traffic is a serious health hazard and thus the persons who are continuously exposed, may be at an increased risk. Although several studies have confirmed the ill effects of air pollutants on the lung function of traffic policemen, only a few have investigated the relationship between respiratory health and duration of exposure in this category of occupationally exposed persons. Aim: The study was carried out with the aim of evaluating the extent of impairment in lung function in traffic policemen in respect to an unexposed control group having the same age group. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which the spirometric parameters of a group of 100 nonsmoking traffic policemen, aged 20-55 years, working in and around Patiala city, were compared with those obtained in an age-matched control group, consisting of 100 healthy males, serving in the Punjab Police, who have never done traffic duty and are thus not exposed to traffic pollution. Lung function was done with MEDSPIROR. The data on the overall health status of the subjects was collected using the standard Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire. The statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS PC software version 13. Results: Traffic policemen recorded a significant decline in various parameters, such as forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) when compared with controls, and is probably due to exposure to vehicular pollution. It was also observed that in traffic policemen with >8 years of exposure, the values of FVC (2.7 L), FEV1 (1.8 L), and PEFR (7.5 L/s) were significantly lower than those obtained in traffic policemen with <8 years of exposure, in whom the values were 2.9 L, 2.3 L, and 7.7 L/s for FVC, FEV1, and PEFR, respectively. Conclusion: The effect of pollution by vehicular exhausts may be responsible for these pulmonary function impairments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The chemical agents present in the environment, such as traffic pollutants, may affect male fertility. Traffic policemen are daily exposed to traffic pollutants. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether occupational exposure to urban stressors could cause alterations in free testosterone plasma values in male traffic policemen versus administrative staff of Municipal Police of a big Italian city. Methods: Both groups were divided into two subgroups based on age (first group: 30-40 years; second group: 41-50 years) to assess whether age could affect laboratory results of free testosterone plasma levels in traffic policemen versus controls. The characterization of exposure to urban pollutants for traffic policemen was assessed using the concentrations of pollutants monitored in fixed stations. A total of 220 subjects were studied: 110 traffic policemen and 110 controls, after excluding subjects with main confounding factors. Results: Mean free testosterone values were significantly lower in traffic policemen than in controls ( P < 0.001). Such statistical reduction persisted stratifying the mean testosterone values for classes of age (30-40 and 41-50 year) of workers (respectively P < 0.001 and P < 0.001). The distribution into classes of testosterone values in traffic policemen and in controls was significant ( P < 0.001), and this result persisted after the stratification for classes of age of workers (30-40 year: P < 0.001) (41-50 year: P < 0.001). Conclusions: According to data in literature, free testosterone plasma levels could be used as an early biological marker, to be employed in occupational sets, valuable for the group, even before the onset of values out of range and of fertility disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study is to assess whether occupational exposure to urban stressors could cause alterations in urinary metanephrines levels in traffic policemen vs administrative staff of municipal police. A total of 258 subjects were included in the study: 129 traffic policemen exposed to urban stressors (68 males and 61 females) and 129 controls (68 males and 61 females). Urinary metanephrines mean levels were significantly higher in male traffic policemen compared to controls (p < 0.01). No significant differences were in female traffic policemen compared to controls. In the control group, urinary metanephrines mean levels were significantly higher in females compared to males (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in urinary metanephrines mean levels in female traffic policemen vs male traffic policemen. The increase in urinary metanephrines mean levels observed in male exposed compared to controls could be related to chronic occupational exposure to low doses of chemical, physical and psychosocial urban stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine benzene and 1,3-butadiene exposure through ambient air and personal air monitoring, as well as through biomarkers of exposure, and to evaluate the potential health risk of exposure through the use of biomarkers of early biological effects in central Bangkok traffic policemen. Ambient air concentrations of benzene and 1,3-butadiene at the roadsides were significantly higher than in police offices used as control sites (p <0.001). Traffic policemen had a significantly higher exposure to benzene (median 38.62μg/m3) and 1,3-butadiene (median 3.08μg/m3) than office policemen (median 6.17μg/m3 for benzene and 0.37μg/m3 for 1,3-butadiene) (p <0.001). Biomarkers of benzene exposure, blood benzene, and urinary metabolite, trans, trans-muconic acid were significantly higher in traffic policemen than office policemen (p <0.001). No significant difference between traffic and office policemen was found in urinary benzene metabolite, S-phenyl mercapturic acid, or in urinary 1,3-butadiene metabolite, monohydroxy-butenyl mercapturic acid. Biomarkers of early biological effects, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine in leukocytes (8-OHdG), DNA-strand breaks, and DNA-repair capacity, measured as an increase in gamma ray-induced chromosome aberrations were significantly higher in traffic policemen than controls (p <0.001 for 8-OHdG, p <0.01 for tail length, p <0.001 for olive tail moment, p <0.05 for dicentrics and p <0.01 for deletions). Multiple regression model including individual exposure, biomarkers of exposure, ages and years of work as independent variables showed that only the levels of individual 1,3-butadiene exposure were significantly associated with 8-OHdG and olive tail moment at p <0.0001 indicating more influence of 1,3-butadiene on DNA damage. These results indicated that traffic policemen, who are exposed to benzene and 1,3-butadiene at the roadside in central Bangkok, are potentially at a higher risk for development of diseases such as cancer than office policemen. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A comparative evaluation of urinary biomarkers was carried out to characterize benzene exposure in a group of 100 traffic policemen of the city of Parma (Italy). All subjects were monitored once, in two consecutive days characterized by similar climatic conditions but preceded by two windy days. Benzene ambient concentration measured by municipal air monitoring stations was 1μg/m3 (Day 1) and 2μg/m3 (Day 2). Personal exposure to ambient concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) was assessed by using Radiello® passive-diffusive samplers in a subgroup of 24 workers. Benzene metabolites, t,t-muconic acid (t,t-MA) and S-phenylmercapturic acid (S-PMA) were determined by isotopic dilution liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry on spot urine samples collected at the end of the shift. Urinary benzene (U-B) was determined by solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Airborne benzene concentration expressed as median [and interquartile range] was 6.07 [0.28–9.53]μg/m3, as assessed by personal sampling. Urinary concentrations of biomarkers in the whole group were 41.8 [34.1–89.8]μg/g creatinine for t,t-MA, 0.67 [0.23–1.32]μg/g creatinine for S-PMA, and 0.16 [0.13–0.26]μg/l for U-B. Smokers eliminated significantly higher concentrations of unchanged BTEX and benzene metabolites than non-smokers (p <0.05). When traffic policemen were distinguished into indoor (n =31) and outdoor workers, no significant differences were observed for either airborne benzene or urinary biomarkers. Significantly lower concentrations of S-PMA and U-B were determined in samples collected at Day 1 as compared to Day 2 (p <0.0001 and p =0.003, respectively) suggesting that these biomarkers are enough sensitive and specific to detect changes in airborne benzene concentration even at few μg/m3. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In China, traffic policemen have to stand for several hours a day at the road intersections with high vehicle flows. To assess their exposure to airborne carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during their working time, a preliminary study was conducted to measure the personal exposure level to PAHs. And a probabilistic incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) model together with the benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) toxic equivalents (BaPeq) method was used to conduct health risk assessment. Personal exposure monitors (PEM) were carried by traffic policemen to collect PM10 samples during their daily work in Tianjin, China. Meanwhile, PM100 samples were collected at the roadsides and on campus of Nankai University as comparison. PAHs species were quantitatively analyzed by GC/MS. Experimental results showed that the concentrations of total PAHs, BaP and BaPeq were much higher at the road intersections (867.5, 26.2, 82.4 ng m−3), where the traffic policemen stand during their work time, than those at the roadsides (46.6, 1.5, 5.7 ng m−3), and on campus (19.5, 0.7, 2.4 ng m−3). According to the risk assessment results, the occupational risk falls within the range from 10−6 to 10−3. On the basis of sensitivity analysis results, further research should be directed to give better characterization of the yearly concentration distribution of PAHs and the cancer slope factor (CSF) of BaP in order to improve the accuracy of the health risk assessment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article offers information about a study which aims to determine if the occupational exposure to urban pollutants could cause alterations on 17-alfa-hydroxy-progesterone (17-&#x03B1-OH-P) plasma levels and other related diseases in male traffic police officers. Details on the functions of 17-&#x03B1-OH-P are elaborated. Information about the methods and analysis used in the study, as well as the results is discussed.

Abstract: In urban areas there is an explosive growth of population and the number of automobiles. The ever-increasing vehicular traffic density is posing continued threat to the ambient air quality. Traffic policemen as a group of workers are exposed occupationally to the pollutants from vehicular exhaust. Sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) as a biomarker of the pollutant''s effect, were analyzed in peripheral blood lymphocytes of 85 traffic policemen and 60 control subjects. There was a significant increase in the mean SCEs±S.D./cell in the exposed group (9.31±5.29) when compared to the controls (4.18±1.85). Thus the present study concludes that vehicular exhaust might induce cytogenetic damage in traffic police. Further, the more pronounced frequency of SCEs observed in the smoking traffic policemen than in the non-smoking group suggests the joint effect of smoking and vehicular exhaust. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are one of the main environmental pollutants in urban areas. Cytogenetic analysis of chromosomal aberrations is of great concern as they are involved in the mechanism of carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess the genotoxic effect of occupational exposure to PAHs in a group of 30 Bulgarian traffic policemen compared to 30 office clerks. Structural and numerical chromosome aberrations were analyzed by the conventional method in 100 to 300 cells per person. The exposure assessment was performed by personal sampling of air in the respiratory area. PAHs were identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a fluorescent detector. SPSS 8.0 and Statistica 4.3 were used for statistical analysis of the results. The frequency of chromosomal aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes was higher in the occupationally exposed policemen - 2.55% than in the control group 1.57% (P < 0.002). The exposure to PAHs varied from 24.69 ng/m3 to 203.97 ng/m3 in the policemen and from 4.89 ng/m3 to 120.61 ng/m3 in the controls. PAHs possessed cytogenetic effects in highly exposed persons. The registered adverse effects increase the health risk for people professionally exposed to PAHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Benzene (B) is a typical micro-pollutant present in air, especially urban air. In this study a possible correlation between personal benzene exposure and S-phenylmercapturic acid (S-PMA) as a biomarker of internal dose was evaluated in a cohort of traffic policemen. The results confirm that S-PMA is significantly correlated to benzene measured in personal air. B and S-PMA were analyzed considering seasonality, work quarters, time spent indoors, outdoors, and directing traffic, but no significant differences were recorded. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Traffic police have a high risk of hearing loss due to road traffic noise exposure. Here estimates are made of typical sound levels prevailing at the work place environment of traffic policemen and measures obtained of the hearing status of policemen The study focused on the traffic policemen working for 10–12h daily in a noisy environment. Data on self-reported health status was collected by questionnaire and an audiometry used to determine hearing threshold at high and low frequencies. Eighty-four percent of the sample reported hearing loss and defined at least some difficulty in hearing by one or both ears. The prevalence of audiometric hearing impairment defined as a threshold average greater than 25dB(A) hearing level was 80% for binaural low frequency average (250, 500 and 1000Hz), 70% for binaural mid-frequency average (1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000Hz) and 46% for binaural high frequency average (3000, 4000, 6000 and 8000Hz) in the traffic policemen. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of present study is to evaluate whether traffic policemen exposed to urban pollutants and possible psycho-social stressors could be at risk of alterations on plasma insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) levels compared to a control group. Out of a population of 395 Municipal Police employees, the subjects with principal confounding factors (cigarette smoking habits, drinking habits, oral contraceptives being taken, use of paints, solvents and pesticides) were excluded from the study. The remaining traffic policemen were matched with those not exposed by sex, age and length of service; 49 traffic policemen (22 men and 27 women) with outdoor activity exposed to urban pollutants and 49 not exposed subjects (22 men and 27 women) with indoor activity were included in the study. The plasma levels of IGF-1 resulted significantly higher in the male and female traffic policemen compared with control subjects (respectively P  < 0.001; P  < 0.001). The authors hypothesise that occupational exposure to chemical stressors, that may interact with possible psycho-social stressors, could cause an alteration on IGF-1 levels in traffic policemen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study's objective has been to evaluate whether urban pollution, here nickel compounds and metallic nickel (Ni) are present, could determine serum concentrations of the above mentioned metal. Out of a population of 394 Municipal Police employees, subjects with main confounding factors were eliminated. The remaining subjects were made comparable for sex, age, and length of employment. Thus, 160 subjects were included in the study: 80 traffic policemen (42 men and 38 women) with outdoor activity exposed to urban pollutants in a direct way, and 80 administrative workers (42 men and 38 women) with indoor unexposed activity. The results obtained in the studied population demonstrate that in traffic policemen the serum levels of Ni are more elevated than those in administrative workers; both in male and female workers. The authors hypothesise that the presence of Ni as fuel additive in lead free fuels and as catalyser in catalytic exhausts, which have been obligatory in Italy in new cars for the last 10 years, could be one of the causes for the increased serum levels of the above mentioned metal in traffic policemen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether traffic policemen exposed to urban pollutants could be at risk of alterations on urinary homovanillic acid in 24 h HVA(U) excretion levels, an end product of dopamine catabolism, compared with a control group. Traffic policemen were matched by sex, age, and working life with control group after excluding principal confounding factors; 50 traffic policemen (29 men and 21 women) with outdoor activity exposed to urban pollutants and 50 not exposed subjects (29 men and 21 women) with indoor activity were included in the study. The HVA(U) excretion levels were significantly higher in male and female traffic policemen compared to not exposed subjects (respectively P = 0.003; P = 0.023). The authors hypothesize an effect on the excretion of HVA(U) in traffic policemen exposed to chemical and physical stressors, according to HVA(U) modifications found by other authors in workers exposed in factories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to PM2.5 from traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) can cause health risk among residents in the urban area. Those who work outdoors are vulnerable to TRAP. PM2.5 from TRAP contain various carcinogenic and mutagenic compounds that can cause genotoxicity to human health. This study indicated that exposure to the higher level of PM2.5 in the urban areas had exhibited an increased in the formation of micronucleus (MN) among respondents. Traffic policemen experienced a high concentration of PM2.5 that lead to higher MN frequency compared to the office workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of traffic policemen towards the health effects caused by noise pollution. Materials and Methods: The present questionnaire-based study was carried out among 86 traffic policemen randomly selected for an awareness workshop for prevention of noise pollution. The questionnaire included 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 earplugs and earmuffs. The questionnaire was filled up by the subjects. The data analysis was carried out using Epi Info 3.3.2 and included calculation of percentages and proportions and application of the test of significance. Results: The mean age was 39.2 ± 7.8 years and the mean years of exposure was 2.1 ± 1.8 years. Only 2.3% of the subjects felt that their hearing ability was below average. 11.6% complained of regular tinnitus. while 62.8% had work-related tinnitus and experienced it during working hours only. Only 4.7% used earplugs and that too, very seldom. Reasons for non-usage of earplugs/earmuffs included non-availability (65.1%), discomfort (11.6%), bad fit (2.3%), personal dislike (16.3%) and headache caused by its use (4.7%). 67.4% subjects did not use any method to reduce exposure to noise, while remaining used fingers, hands and cotton to avoid noise exposure. Conclusion: 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cairo is a city wellknown for its noisy and crowded traffic. The job nature of traffic policemen in Cairo necessitates standing beside traffic light signals to observe that car drivers obey these signals. In this study road traffic noise was measured at different places in Cairo and hearing threshold was determined among 126 traffic policemen and 50 controls (office policemen). Road traffic noise ranged from 72 to 110 dB (A). The highest values were observed at railway crossings and when drivers used their horn (which is frequent). Mean hearing threshold of traffic policemen was significantly higher than that of the controls. The pattern of hearing impairment of traffic policemen was typical for that induced by noise. This was still obvious after age correction of the hearing threshold. The results indicate that road traffic noise in Cairo constitute a hazard for hearing of those whose job necessitates continuous and long-term exposure to it. Better regulation of traffic and strict control of the use of car horns are needed. The use of ear protectors may be recommended for traffic policemen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]