Heart problems on rise among drivers and traffic cops

There is an increase in the heart-related diseases among drivers and policemen in the city, as they are more exposed to pollution, C N Manjunath, director, Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research told on Monday.

He was speaking on the inaugural day of the two-day international seminar on ‘Impact of global atmospheric changes on Natural resources (IGACNR)’ organised by department of civil engineering, University of Vishveshvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE), Bangalore University (BU) on Monday.

Manjunath said: “Out of 500 drivers and traffic cops, more than 25% of them will be suffering from heart-related issues and they are more prone to heart attacks. Shockingly, the age group among them are below 40.”

“Burning of garbage and wood in open has a significant effect on the air quality. Today, travelling to the central business district (CBD) area is equivalent to smoking five to 10 cigarettes,” he added.

Addressing the gathering, Venugopal K R, BU Vice-Chancellor, said: “There are 30 assistant professors awaiting promotions for the past 10 years in UVCE. The issue will be addressed shortly.”