500 Noida policemen get air purifying masks

Noida, Oct 15 (IANS) To spread awareness on the increase in respiratory problems caused by rising air pollution, Jaypee Hospital on Sunday organised a free health check-up camp for the polic officers of Noida and nearby areas, and distributed N-95 masks to around 500 policemen.The masks have air purifying respirators which block small particulates and protect against harmful gases.Almost 30 per cent increase has been observed in the respiratory diseases related to air pollution, said Gyanendra Agarwal, senior consultant, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, at Jaypee Hospital.

"Earlier, the respiratory disorders were common in people of age above 55 years but with the increase in pollutants, such problems are now common in people as young as 25 years," he said.Calling this an alarming situation, Agarwal said it was critical for people of all age groups to maintain a healthy lifestyle and take proper precautions.The check up camp was organised in collaboration with air purifier company Blue Air considering the onset of winter season which sees a spike in pollution levels.