MMDA to back UP study on relation of hearing loss to traffic exposure

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is supporting the initiative of the University of the Philippines to study the relation of hearing loss to traffic exposure. INQUIRER.net file photo / JONATHAN VICENTE

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is backing the initiative to conduct a study to determine the association between chronic traffic exposure and hearing loss.

The University of the Philippines Manila will conduct the National Institute of Health study led by Dr. Kim Ong. The MMDA Medical Clinic, headed by Dr. Annabelle Ombina, will assist.

Participants of the study will be field traffic personnel assigned along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (Edsa) who have a five-year field exposure, regardless of employment status.

“It must be noted that MMDA traffic enforcers, classified as civilian uniformed personnel, are exposed to health hazards while performing their duties,” MMDA Officer-in-Charge Director Baltazar Melgar said in a statement on Wednesday.

Melgar pointed out that traffic enforcers are exposed to health hazards due to air pollution, traffic, noise exposure, and severe weather conditions.

Participants will undergo a screening process, including a hearing test and an in-depth interview.

The screening process will be done in the second week of August.

At present, there are almost 600 traffic enforcers assigned along EDSA.

Recently, a study conducted by a scientist named Emmanuel Baja showed that exposure to black carbon and heavy metals while on duty along major roads affects traffic enforcers’ blood pressure and lung function. Andy Hoo, INQUIRER.net intern

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