A three-year health screening programme covering more than 10,000 frontline workers in Bengaluru has revealed concerning levels of reduced lung function, excess weight, elevated blood sugar and uncontrolled hypertension. The findings highlight occupational health challenges faced by bus transport employees, traffic police personnel, construction workers and sanitation staff who work long hours in environments affected by vehicle emissions, road dust and construction pollution.
Conducted by the city-based VAAYU Occupational and Environmental Respiratory Illness Clinic, the screening examined 10,352 workers, highlighting the need for regular medical examinations, improved workplace protections and coordinated public health interventions.
Sanitation Workers Show Highest Respiratory Risk
The screening identified reduced lung function across all four occupational groups. Among pourakarmikas, or sanitation workers, 45% showed reduced lung function, followed by 29.5% of Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation employees, 28% of traffic police personnel and 15% of construction workers.
These results are particularly concerning because many of these workers spend extended periods outdoors, exposed to traffic emissions and airborne dust. However, the screening findings do not establish that pollution alone caused the abnormalities, and individual medical assessments are necessary to determine the underlying conditions.
Experts have called for regular lung-function testing and follow-up care to identify workers who may require further investigation or treatment.
Diabetes and High Blood Pressure Raise Concerns
The screening also identified significant cardiometabolic risks among the participants. Overweight or obesity affected 62% of sanitation workers and 60.7% of BMTC employees. The corresponding proportions were 51.3% among traffic police personnel and 29.2% among construction workers.
Elevated blood sugar readings and uncontrolled hypertension were also reported across the groups. Among construction workers, uncontrolled hypertension affected 76.9% of those screened, while 66.7% of BMTC employees showed the same concern.
These findings point to the importance of accessible healthcare beyond respiratory protection. Regular blood pressure checks, appropriate diabetes testing, medical consultations and long-term management could help workers address risks before complications develop.
Experts Call for Coordinated Government Action
At a multidisciplinary roundtable titled “Protecting Those Who Protect Our City,” public health experts called for stronger occupational healthcare systems and better coordination among government departments.
Dr Arvind BA, professor of epidemiology at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, emphasised the need to integrate screening results into existing healthcare systems. Public health experts also highlighted gaps between established regulations and their implementation, arguing that awareness campaigns alone would not adequately protect workers.
Swetavalli Raghavan, an adviser to the health department, stressed the importance of coordinating agencies responsible for worker welfare, transport and environmental protection. Experts recommended protective equipment, improved workplace practices and measures to reduce exposure during periods of heavy traffic.
Long-Term Monitoring Could Improve Worker Protection
Dr Ravindra Mehta, founder and medical director of VAAYU Chest and Sleep Specialists, called for sustained institutional support to translate clinical findings into practical improvements. Proposed measures include providing protective masks, educating workers about pollution exposure and establishing long-term studies to monitor changes in their health.
A proposed five-to-ten-year monitoring programme could help researchers understand how respiratory and metabolic risks develop over time and whether workplace interventions make a measurable difference.
The findings underline the need for Bengaluru to strengthen occupational health programmes for the people who keep the city functioning. Regular screening, accessible treatment, safer working conditions and coordinated government action will be essential to turning these health warnings into lasting improvements.
