Study reveals reduced lung function among frontline workers in Bengaluru

A screening initiative conducted by the Vaayu Occupational & Environmental Respiratory Illness Clinic (VOERIC) screened over 11,000 frontline workers since November 2023. Findings showed reduced lung function in 29.5 per cent of BMTC personnel, 28 per cent of traffic police personnel, 15 per cent of construction workers, and 45 per cent of pourakarmikas. Experts called for a more structured occupational health system and better coordination between departments handling health, transport, labour, and the environment.