Exposure to traffic air pollutants (Benzene, Toluene, Xylene and PM10) and respiratory health implications among the traffic policemen in Klang Valley

Wan Mansor, Wan Aznani (2017) Exposure to traffic air pollutants (Benzene, Toluene, Xylene and PM10) and respiratory health implications among the traffic policemen in Klang Valley. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Introduction: Traffic policemen working nature caused them to be exposed to traffic pollutants continuously. This study aimed to identify the exposure level of traffic air pollutants (Benzene, Toluene, Xylene and PM₁₀) among traffic policemen and the risks to their respiratory health. Methodology: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among 42 traffic policemen and 42 police officers from Traffic Police Stations in Klang Valley as exposed and comparative group respectively. A purposive sampling method was used to select the respondents based on the inclusion criteria. The questionnaire used was adapted from the American Thoracic Society for Adult Respiratory Health Disease (ATS-DLD) to collect information on sociodemographic and respiratory symptoms. Spirometer (Chestgraph Hi-105) was used to perform lung function test. Personal Air Sampling Pump (Gilian GilAir-3) was used to measure personal exposure level to PM₁₀. Ppbrae 3000 was used to measure the concentration of Benzene, Toluene and Xylene. Whereas DustTrak DRX Aerosol Particulate Monitors was used to measure the concentration of PM₁₀ in the indoor and outdoor ambient air. Result: The mean exposure level of PM₁₀ among the traffic policemen was 150.14 ± 130.66 mg/m³ compared to only 84.14 ± 94.11 mg/m³ among the comparative group. There was no significant different in FVC (litre) with t= -0.622: p= 0.535, FEV₁ (litre) with t= -0.283, p= 0.778, FVC% predicted with t= - 1.457, p= 0.149 and FEV₁% predicted with t= -0.028, p=0.325 between the exposed and comparative group. However, there was a significant difference in FEV₁/FVC% predicted with t=-2.990, p<0.05 between the exposed to comparative group. Discussion: Findings revealed that there was a significant difference in FEV₁/FVC% predicted between the two study groups and the lung function abnormalities were higher in the exposed group compared to the comparative group with a significant difference in FVC% predicted. The respiratory symptoms were significantly higher in the exposed group compared to the comparative group for chronic cough (OR=3.86, 95% CI= 1.44-10.34), wheezing (OR=4.08 95% CI= 1.50-11.10) and breathlessness (OR=3.48 95% CI =1.10-11.01). Conclusion: This study found that the traffic policemen that exposed to traffic air pollutants may have higher risk of having lung function reduction and increase the prevalence of respiratory symptoms.

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms Norafizah Radzuan
Date Deposited:	21 Mar 2024 02:18
Last Modified:	21 Mar 2024 02:18
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/1618

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