Traffic police in Delhi get masks to beat dust
Replaceable filter masks come in place of cloth ones to protect cops from long exposures.
200 masks have already been distributed among traffic personnel. (Source: Express Photo by Praveen Khanna)
After protective UV ray sunglasses, Traffic police personnel in the city are now getting unique and replaceable filter masks to protect themselves from Delhi’s deteriorating air quality.
Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Dr Muktesh Chander said, “Until now, we were distributing cloth or paper-based masks. But these could not be washed or used beyond a few hours. In the new masks, if the filter chokes depending on usage and prevalent air quality, it can be removed and replaced. The rest of the mask can be washed. So these masks can be used for long periods.”
[related-post]
He also said that the tightening mechanism in the mask is adjustable unlike the old masks. “The earlier masks did not have this mechanism. They were not air-tight and a lot of people complained that the purpose of the mask was lost. These masks are air-tight and give proper protection to our personnel,” Dr Chander said.
About 200 such masks have already been distributed among traffic personnel and authorities have sent requirements for more. “We got 200 initially so that we can get proper feedback on their utility. Now we have sent requirements for 2,000 such masks for all our personnel,” he said.
Earlier, UV protective glasses – which look like regular sunglasses from the front – with protective coverings on the side to protect the eyes from dust were distributed among traffic police. “The glasses serve the twin objectives of protection against harmful UV rays and construction or road dust,” Dr Chander said.
“Traffic police personnel spend hours on the road and this makes them especially vulnerable to road dust. Studies have established that road and construction dust contributes to air pollution, which creates problems like eye allergy especially in the dry heat. These will have a protective covering from the sides and top,” he said.
He also said the glasses can be fitted over routine glasses. “We tried a sample pair and it seemed like a good idea because it provided instant relief to the eye. These can be fitted over routine glasses so that people who wear glasses can also use them,” Dr Chander said.
Share
