Association between traffic-related air pollution, lung function and respiratory symptoms among primary school children in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Mohd Juhari, Muhammad Afif (2019) Association between traffic-related air pollution, lung function and respiratory symptoms among primary school children in Klang Valley, Malaysia. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Introduction: An increasing range of vehicles on traffic roads in the urban area leads to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) due to the emission of air pollutants from the vehicles and is currently becoming the main concern for health especially among children. Air pollution at current levels is accountable for morbidity, hospital admissions and exacerbations of symptoms. Therefore, it is a good chance for Malaysia to establish an environmental framework for the management and mitigation of emerging health impacts. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the association between TRAP with lung function and respiratory health as well as determining the main factors them after controlling all confounders. Methodology: This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted at six schools which consisted of three schools in Klang Valley for the exposed group (N= 76) and three schools for the comparative group (N= 76) in Hulu Langat. Respondents' parents or guardians were asked to answer the modified questionnaire adapted from American Thoracic Society (ATS) and International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Lung function test was conducted among the respondents using an electronic spirometer (Chestgraph HI-105 Spirometer). Air quality assessment was conducted to monitor PM10, PM2.5, TVOC, NO2, SD2 and CO using TSI DustTrak DRX Aerosol Monitor 8534, ppbRAE-3000, LaMotte's model BD Air Sampling Pump and TSI Q-TRAK 7565 respectively. Data collected were analyzed using the SPSS v.22. Result: The concentration of TRAP in primary schools was significantly higher at heavy traffic density area. The respiratory symptoms among primary school children at primary schools in heavy traffic density area were significantly higher compared to the children at primary schools in low traffic density area. The lung abnormality (FEV 1 % ) among children in heavy traffic density area was significantly higher compared to the children in low traffic density area. There is an association between TRAP [NO2 (p=0.003, PR 2.699, 95% CI=1.387- 5.252), SO2 (p=0.003, PR=2.699, 95% CI=l.387-5.252), CO (p=0.003, PR 2.699, 95% CI=1.387-5.252), TVOC (p=0.003, PR 2.699, 95% CI=1.387-5.252), PM2.5 (p=0.003, PR 2.699, 95% CI=1 .387-5.252) and PM10 (p=0.003, PR=2.699, 95% Cl=1.387-5.252)] with lung abnormality (FEV1%) among respondents. The most significant respiratory symptom caused by TRAP was chest tightness, while NO2 was the main predictor for both chest tightness and FEV 1 % abnormalities among the study group. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that children in schools near heavy traffic roads have an increased risk for respiratory symptoms such as chest tightness and lung abnormality (FEV 1 % ) due to higher exposure to TRAP. The long-term effects from exposure to TRAP remain mostly unknown, but the current study could support future in associations documented between TRAP and respiratory health among children, especially in Malaysia. Keywords: TRAP, lung function, school children .

Item Type:	Project Paper
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms Norafizah Radzuan
Date Deposited:	25 Feb 2026 02:11
Last Modified:	25 Feb 2026 02:11
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2734

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