Association between traffic-related air pollutants with lung function and respiratory symptoms among primary school children in Kajang, Selangor

Arifuddin, Azizul Ashraff (2018) Association between traffic-related air pollutants with lung function and respiratory symptoms among primary school children in Kajang, Selangor. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

Text lp FPSK4 2018 36.pdf Download (84MB)

Abstract

Introduction: The increased urbanisation and urban population have increased in dependence on motor vehicles and traffic congestion. The increasing number of vehicles in traffic road in urban area will lead to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) due to emission of air pollutants from the vehicles. Among the different age groups, TRAP can affect the health of primary school children significantly because children's lungs are still growing and their immune systems are not fully developed, so infections are common. Objective: To determine the association between TRAP with lung function and respiratory symptoms among Malay primary school children in heavy and low traffic area. Method: A cross-sectional comparative study was carried out among Malay preschool children in heavy traffic area (N= 69, Kajang) and low traffic area (N=69, Hutu Langat) areas. An air quality assessment was conducted in 4 primary schools, which included parameters of PM10, PM2.5, UFP, NO2, SO2 and CO. A set of standardised questionnaire was distributed to obtain respondents' background information, exposure history and respiratory health symptoms. Spirometry test was carried out and the data obtained were analyzed to determine the lung function of the respondents. Traffic count survey was also conducted at two time intervals per day (7 .00-7.30 am and 1.00-1.30 pm). Results and Discussion: There was a significant difference between concentration of traffic-related air pollutants at primary school in heavy traffic and low traffic area primary schools for all parameters measured (p<0.05). There was a significant association between the level of pollutants with the lung function (FVC%, FEV 1% and FEV1/FVC%) abnormalities among the respondents. All of the pollutants were significantly associated with respiratory health symptoms (cough, runny nose and blocked nose). The finding also shows that there is a significant association between exposure of PM 10 and PM2.5 with lung function abnormalities and higher reported respiratory symptoms among the respondents. Conclusion: The finding concluded that exposure to TRAP, especially PM10 and PM2.5 increases the risk of getting lung function abnormality and respiratory health symptoms among respondents. Implementation of Environmental Health Action Plan can minimise the exposure of traffic-related air pollutants towards primary school children. Keywords: Traffic-related air pollutants, PM10, PM2.5, UFP, N02, S02, CO, lung function, respiratory symptoms.

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms Norafizah Radzuan
Date Deposited:	24 Jun 2025 04:59
Last Modified:	24 Jun 2025 04:59
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2421

Actions (login required)

View Item