The BREATHE Study: Lung Health of Bus Drivers in Bengaluru and Karnataka

Plain-language summary of the BREATHE study: prevalence of respiratory symptoms, chronic health conditions and pulmonary function among bus drivers in Bengaluru and Karnataka. Presented at NAPCON 2025, Pune.

NAPCON 2025, Pune. Vaayu Chest & Sleep Specialists. Published 11 November 2026.

The study in one paragraph

The BREATHE study looked at how common respiratory symptoms, chronic health conditions and reduced pulmonary function are among bus drivers in Bengaluru and Karnataka. Bus crew spend long hours in traffic-heavy environments, exposed to diesel exhaust, often on irregular schedules. The study was presented at the National Respiratory Meeting (NAPCON) in Pune in August 2025.

Who was screened

VORIC has screened 4,389 BMTC and KSRTC bus crew since November 2023, at depots and other workplaces, free of cost to the worker.

Latest figure from the wider programme

Reduced lung function was found in 29.5% of BMTC personnel screened, as presented at the roundtable “Protecting Those Who Protect Our City” in Bengaluru in October 2026.

What was measured

General health checks (blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, BMI, random blood sugar) and a respiratory assessment: symptom and exposure history, doctor consultation, spirometry, Forced Oscillation Technique (FOT), and a chest radiograph where indicated.

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