The influence of traffic related air pollution (TRAP) on respiratory health and DNA damage among school children in Klang Valley

MOHD YUSRI, NUR AIN DANISYA (2020) The influence of traffic related air pollution (TRAP) on respiratory health and DNA damage among school children in Klang Valley. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Introduction: Several recent studies on traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) has been reported, which can induce genetic toxicity and lead to the development of cancer among children. Therefore, it has become a public concern. Objective: This study aimed to determine the influence of residential and school traffic-related air pollution on respiratory symptoms and DNA damage among children in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Methodology: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among Malay primary school children from high traffic (n=70, Kuala Lumpur) and low traffic (n=85, Hulu Langat) areas. Air quality monitoring was conducted in 8 primary schools and children’s houses. The parameters included particulate matters (PM10 and PM2.5), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3), and Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC). A set of validated and standardized questionnaires were used to obtain data on socio-demographic background and respiratory health symptoms. Traffic count survey was carried out in the morning and afternoon during the school day (7.00-7.30 am and 1.00-1.30 pm). Buccal cell collection was conducted for the analysis of DNA damage using Comet Assay. Results and Discussion: The results showed that there were significant differences (p<0.05) between concentrations of all pollutants at school and house between high and low traffic areas. All respiratory symptoms showed significant differences (p<0.05) between both high and low traffic groups. Meanwhile, the comet tail length in the high traffic group was significantly greater (65.5±16.4 μm) compared to the low traffic group (39.5±15.0 μm). This study demonstrated that PM2.5 was the most significant predictor for DNA damage and respiratory symptoms among study respondents. Conclusion: The findings of this study show that high exposure to TRAP will significantly increase the risk of having respiratory health symptoms and DNA damage among the children. As for recommendations, the relevant authorities should come out with guidelines and programs to improve indoor air quality in domestic buildings, implement the anti-idling policies outside the school compound. Also, parents can plant vegetation to create green barriers from the road to their house. Keywords: Traffic-related air pollution; school children; DNA damage; respiratory symptoms; comet assay

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Mr Hafizzuddin Hamidon
Date Deposited:	24 Aug 2023 06:20
Last Modified:	24 Aug 2023 06:20
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/885

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