Professional choices push some to take risks
from increasing the possibility of fatal ailments, it also makes the driver vulnerable to cholesterol and blood pressure problems,” said Dr Randeep Guleria, head of department of medicine and sleep disorders, All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
Sunita Narain, director general of CSE, which conducted the study, also agreed that the people who are always on the go like auto and truck drivers, traffic constables among others have higher risk of contracting occupational diseases.
“People who are driving buses and autos have a reduced life span because of the pollution they are exposed to,” said Narain.
Another study conducted by US based Health Effects Institute and Delhi based The Energy Resources Institute revealed that at least 3,000 people in Delhi die premature deaths every year because of high exposure to air pollution. forced to take up the same occupation but at times it gets extremely difficult to cope with the pollution. People like us have no option,” he said. ALL INDIA
premature deaths in 2010 due to pollution
of total global deaths due to pollution happening in the country
(Source: Global Burden of Disease 2013) HEALTH HAZARDS
SHORT-TERM:
Eye and throat irritation, cough, respiratory tract infections DELHI
At least in Delhi die every year prematurely due to air pollution
At least live in high exposure area
(Source: Health Effects Institute, USA, The Energy Resources Institute, New Delhi) LONG-TERM:
Asthma, respiratory diseases, heart attacks, cancer, stroke
RICKSHAW PULLER AUTO DRIVER
to steal an opportunity to go back to his hometown not just because of his family but also to get a break from the lifestyle that he is forced to live here.