Air quality status at drop-off-pick-up zones and parent’s knowledge perception on vehicle idling activities at urban and rural schools in Selangor, Malaysia

MOHD PUA’AT ZUZAKI, NURUL FARAHIAH (2020) Air quality status at drop-off-pick-up zones and parent’s knowledge perception on vehicle idling activities at urban and rural schools in Selangor, Malaysia. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

Text FPSK4 2020 15.pdf Download (3MB)

Abstract

Introduction: Vehicle idling activities in situations to warm up the engine or while waiting for passengers or in traffics are commonly found around school area, particularly at drop-off and pick-up zones. These activities can lead to TRAPs emission, consequently increase exposure to health risks among children. Individual’s perception towards air pollution also can contribute to environmental exposures response. Objectives: This cohort study with nested cross-sectional aims to determine air quality status at drop-off and pick-up zones and parent’s knowledge and perception on vehicle idling activities at rural and urban schools in Selangor. Methodology: A set of questionnaire on knowledge and perception on vehicle idling was distributed to 52 parents in urban and rural schools, respectively. Air quality measurements including PM2.5 and NO2 were conducted using DustTrak TM II Aerosol Monitor 8532 and Aeroqual Series 500, respectively, at schools’ drop-off and pick-up zones. Number of vehicles was counted manually using traffic count sheet. Results: Our study finds there was significant difference in median PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations at drop-off and pick-up zones between urban and rural primary schools on weekend and weekdays (p<0.05). Urban school (4782) showed greater traffic count reading compared to rural school (2214). The PM2.5 concentrations were higher in both rural (23.48; 19.32 μg/m3) and urban (40.1; 17.52 μg/m3) schools. The NO2 concentrations was lower in both rural (3.5; 1.00 μg/m3) and urban schools (13.00; 5.50 μg/m3). There was no significant difference in the median knowledge and perception of individuals on vehicle idling between urban and rural primary schools (p>0.05). The perception of individuals on vehicle idling was not associated to the knowledge of individuals on vehicle idling (p=0.599; χ2=1.024). Conclusion: Increasing TRAPs concentrations within school area were influenced by rising temperatures and decreasing relative humidity as well as higher number of vehicles outside school. Besides, how well individuals’ knowledge on air quality do not guarantee how good they perceived air quality. This study suggests the school administration to take action in implementing, improvising and strengthening policy such “No Vehicle Idling Campaign” around school areas. Keywords: air quality, traffic-related air pollutants (TRAPs), vehicle idling, school

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Mr Hafizzuddin Hamidon
Date Deposited:	21 Feb 2023 00:39
Last Modified:	21 Feb 2023 00:39
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/799

Actions (login required)

View Item