From morning until late at night, traffic police officers
stand at the city’s busy intersections, managing the flow of vehicles. They
endure overhead sun, swirling dust, and the deafening noise of vehicle horns.
Amidst this, exhaust fumes from buses, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles
mix with the air they breathe; they remain exposed to emissions from old and
diesel-powered vehicles for hours on end.
While city dwellers traverse these polluted roads to reach
their destinations, traffic police officers must perform their duties in this
environment for extended periods. Air and noise pollution, extreme heat, rain,
and the strain of standing for hours combine to create various health risks in
their work environment. Long Hours of Duty Amidst Polluted Air
Conversations with traffic police officers stationed at
key intersections in Chattogram city reveal that their prolonged presence on
the roads leads to physical discomfort and various health issues. Beyond dust
and vehicle exhaust, excessive noise is a constant companion in their daily
lives.
One female traffic police officer noted that they must
stand on duty for long periods. Factors such as dust, black vehicle smoke, air
pollution, and excessive noise lead to various physical ailments. Even when
medical attention is needed, the demands of the job often make it difficult to
access regular healthcare.
Another grievance raised by the female officer is the lack
of separate restrooms or adequate sanitation facilities for women in many
traffic police boxes, causing them additional difficulties at the workplace.
Zakir Hossain, a traffic police officer with 21 years of
experience—including nearly 13 years with the Chattogram Metropolitan Police
(CMP)—shared his perspective: “We have to perform our duties despite various
adversities. Consequently, many officers experience a decline in physical
capability at a relatively young age. Standing for long periods causes pain in
the legs, knees, and lower back. Prolonged exposure to high noise levels can
also lead to hearing impairment.”
He also believes there is a need to make traffic police
boxes more eco-friendly and user-friendly. The Risks Posed by Invisible Smoke
Particles
For traffic police, fine particulate matter—specifically
PM2.5 and PM10—is a major air pollution concern. These particles are so minute
that they can penetrate deep into the lungs through inhalation. Long-term
exposure can affect not only the respiratory system but also the cardiovascular
system and the blood vessels in the brain.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air
pollution in the transport sector stems not only from vehicle exhaust but also
from road dust and particles generated by the wear and tear of brakes and
tires. Exposure to these pollutants has been linked to heart disease, stroke,
asthma, and other health risks.
In other words, road pollution is not limited to the
visible black smoke one sees. Certain ultra-fine particles, though invisible to
the naked eye, can enter the body through breathing.
Research Highlights Concerns Studies conducted in various
countries regarding the health of traffic police have raised concerns about
long-term exposure to air pollution. Some studies have indicated a potential
link between traffic police officers’ exposure to air pollution and various
respiratory, cardiovascular, and ocular issues.
A study involving 574 police officers in Bogotá, Colombia,
found that traffic police officers had higher personal exposure to PM10
compared to officers working in offices. The study also noted a higher
prevalence of symptoms such as coughing, phlegm production, nasal and sinus
problems, and nasal irritation among traffic police.
Research from countries including Thailand, India, and
Malaysia has also highlighted concerns regarding traffic police officers’
occupational exposure to air pollution and their respiratory health. One study
identified a link between traffic police officers’ exposure to PM2.5 and
certain indicators of lung function.
However, it is not appropriate to interpret the results of
these studies as definitive proof that “air pollution caused the illness.”
These studies primarily suggest potential associations; long-term,
comprehensive research is required to establish a definitive cause-and-effect
relationship regarding specific diseases. Impact of Prolonged Standing
Beyond air and noise pollution, standing for extended
periods can also place physical strain on traffic police officers.
Dr. Aminuddin A. Khan, Professor of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation at Medical College Hospital, notes that prolonged standing can
lead to muscle pain and fatigue in the legs. Specific issues include pain in
the calves and thighs, discomfort in the feet or heels, a burning sensation in
the soles, and muscle cramps.
He adds that standing for long periods and the resulting
excessive pressure on the knees can cause knee pain. In addition to leg
swelling, there is a risk of blood pooling in the lower body. Performing duties
under these conditions over a long period can also lead to varicose veins in
some individuals.
Commuting Stress Associated with Duty Barracks for Chattogram
Metropolitan Police traffic personnel are located at the Dampara Police Lines.
However, many officers must commute long distances to reach their assigned duty
points across the city.
A significant amount of time is consumed just by commuting
to distant locations such as Moijjartek, Notun Bridge, and the airport.
Consequently, officers spend extra time traveling beyond their eight-hour
shifts, which can reduce opportunities for adequate rest.
Furthermore, there is a lack of adequate police boxes or
canopies for traffic personnel in many areas. Even where boxes exist, there are
complaints regarding the absence of essential facilities, such as restrooms.
This issue is particularly acute for female officers.
Special Measures Needed for Safety While performing their
duties on the roads, traffic police personnel are simultaneously exposed to
various adverse conditions, including air and noise pollution, sun, rain,
excessive heat, and the strain of standing for long periods. Given these
circumstances, stakeholders are emphasizing the need for regular health
check-ups, adequate rest, access to safe drinking water, improved traffic
booths, separate sanitation facilities for female officers, and the provision
of necessary safety equipment.
Abu Sayeed Baker, TI (Admin) of the CMP Traffic Port
Division, stated, “Traffic police personnel not only have to perform their
duties amidst air and noise pollution and the elements—such as sun and rain—but
also face a lack of adequate facilities. Ensuring their health and safety is
the responsibility of the state.”
The responsibilities of the traffic police are expanding
alongside the increasing volume of vehicles and rapid urbanization on
Chattogram’s roads. Consequently, the working environment and health safety of
those who stand on city streets daily to maintain the flow of traffic have
become matters of significant importance. Regular health check-ups, sufficient
rest, a safe working environment, and necessary protective measures can play a
vital role in mitigating their long-term health risks.
