Hyderabad, Sept. 30: More and more traffic police personnel in the city are suffering from asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory disorders because of severe air pollution. The level of suspended particulate matter in the city air is higher than the national average and traffic cops, who are in the thick of it, face much of its detrimental effects. Though the Swas scheme or Oxy therapy was launched by the Hyderabad City Traffic Police four years ago to give "fresh air" to the personnel, it has not been effective. Authorities would have to find new ways to protect the health of the 1,000 constables and 2,000 homegaurds in the 18 traffic police stations of the twin cities. "Most of us suffer from bronchitis, asthma or hearing problems and unless the government provides free medical care, we would be in great difficulty," said a traffic policeman of the city. The traffic cops are so stoical that they don