Sri Ramakrishna Hospital donated protective masks to police personnel in the traffic department today, keeping in mind the everyday dirt and pollution that cops are exposed to every day.

Air pollution causes diseases like respiratory disorders, asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer, leukaemia, and also heart and blood disorders, Dr. K. Guhan, Chief Oncologist at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital, said. Masks were handed over to 350 policemen.

Dr. Guhan said that Coimbatore and Salem were dirtier than Chennai, due its climatic conditions and the concentration of industries like textile mills, foundries, and cement factories. The company that supplied the mask has promised to replace the masks or change the filters at regular intervals.

The City police commissioner A Amalraj supported the doctor and asked the members of the police force to stop smoking, which was also a major cause for lung disorders.