Association of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) in schools and residences with lung function and respiratory symptoms among children in Klang Valley

ROSLAN, NUR INTAN SHAFIQAH (2020) Association of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) in schools and residences with lung function and respiratory symptoms among children in Klang Valley. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Introduction: Traffic-Related Air Pollution (TRAP) has been associated with significant health impacts among children, particularly those that affect the respiratory symptoms. Objectives: To determine the association between TRAP with lung function and respiratory symptoms in schools and residences among children in Klang Valley. Methodology: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among 70 primary school children from Kuala Lumpur as high traffic group and 85 primary school children in Hulu Langat as low traffic group. A set of standardized and validated questionnaire was used to obtain data on socio-demographic and respiratory symptoms. Air monitoring was conducted in 8 primary schools which included the concentration of PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO, CO, O3, and TVOC. Air monitoring for concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 was also conducted in children’s house. Spirometry test was performed using a spirometer, and the data obtained were analyzed to determine the lung function status. Traffic count survey was conducted at two-time intervals per day in schools which started from 7.00 am to 7.30 am and 1.00 pm to1.30 pm. Results and Discussion: Statistical analyses showed significantly higher between concentrations of all the pollutants measured in high traffic area as compared to low traffic area as p<0.05. Lung function abnormalities were significantly lower among high traffic group with FVC% (77.78±18.97) and FEV1( 74.97±29.82) as compared to low traffic group with FVC% (86.49±18.22) and FEV1( 85.19±15.32). All reported respiratory symptoms also showed significantly higher between high traffic area as compared to low traffic area as p<0.05. PM2.5 was the main predictor that influenced the lung function abnormalities and respiratory symptoms among the respondents. Conclusion: The finding concluded that exposure to a high level of traffic-related air pollution might increase the risk of getting lung function reduction and respiratory symptoms among the study respondents. The mitigation strategies need to be implemented by school authorities to reduce pollutant exposure, with attention to transportation policies, vehicle idling, the use of roadside barriers, site location, and design. Keywords: Traffic-related air pollutants, School children, Lung function, respiratory symptoms

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Mr Hafizzuddin Hamidon
Date Deposited:	21 Feb 2023 00:24
Last Modified:	21 Feb 2023 00:24
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/808

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