Indoor air quality and its association with respiratory health among preschool children in urban and suburban area

Supu, Azrul (2016) Indoor air quality and its association with respiratory health among preschool children in urban and suburban area. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Background: Indoor air quality (IAQ) has become a major concern nowadays because of the universality of exposure and its potential negative impact on human health. Among the different age groups, IAQ can affect the health of preschool children significantly because children's lungs are still growing and their immune system is not fully developed so, infections are common. Objective: To study the association between indoor air quality with respiratory health among preschool children in urban and suburban area. Method: A cross-sectional comparative study was carried out among Malay preschool children in urban (N= 60, Puchong) and suburban (N=60, Hulu Langat) areas. Indoor air quality assessment was conducted in 12 preschools and 60 houses which include parameters of PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, VOCs, mold, bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, humidity, temperature and air velocity. A set of standardized 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 Results: There was a significant difference between IAQ in urban and suburban preschools for all parameters measured (p<0.05). Level of PM₂.₅, PMlu and mold in houses shows significant difference (p<0.05) between the urban and suburban area. Most of the pollutants were significantly associated with respiratory health symptoms (cough, phlegm, runny nose and blocked nose). There was a significant association of level of indoor pollutants with the lung function (FVC% and FEVI%) abnormalities among the respondents. Even though this study is the fust to take Gram-negative bacteria as an indoor air pollutant, the finding also shows that there is a significant association between exposure of Gram-negative bacteria with lung function abnormalities and higher reported respiratory symptoms among the respondents. Conclusion: The finding concluded that exposures indoor air pollutants especially PM₂.₅ increases the risk of getting lung function abnormality and respiratory health symptoms among respondents. Keywords: Indoor air quality, PM₂.₅, PMlo, VOCs, mold, bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, lung function, respiratory health symptoms.

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Mr Muhamad Fazril Awang
Date Deposited:	29 Nov 2022 23:49
Last Modified:	29 Nov 2022 23:49
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/629

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