Exposure to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) in university campus: impact of PM2.5 exposure on cardiorespiratory health outcomes among cyclists

Mean, Nurulhanafiya (2023) Exposure to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) in university campus: impact of PM2.5 exposure on cardiorespiratory health outcomes among cyclists. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Introduction: Cyclists are exposed to higher levels of air pollution due to their proximity to numerous pollutants from motor vehicle tailpipes emissions. These can lead to adverse health effects, especially for active commuters such as cyclists. Objectives: Our study assessed the impact of PM2.5 exposure on blood pressure and lung function among cyclists in university campus at high- and low-traffic cycling routes. Methodology: We selected high- and low-traffic cycling routes in university campus for personal exposure assessment. PM2.5 concentrations were measured from 7.30 am to 8.30 am using SidePak™ AM520 Personal Aerosol Monitor across an average 9 km bicycle ride that took 60 minutes. The health measurements such as blood pressure and lung function were conducted among 21 cyclists before cycling, immediately after cycling, after resting for 15 minutes and one hour after cycling. The instruments used for both measurements were Omron HEM 7111 Upper Arm BP Monitor and Chestgraph Hi-105 Spirometry. Cyclists’ inhalation dose calculation was calculated by substituting heart rate data. Results and Discussion: Our study showed the average PM₂.₅ concentrations at high-traffic were 20.4% higher than low-traffic cycling routes. The highest inhaled dose per kilometre travelled, DL (μg/km) was observed at high-traffic cycling route with 5.8 ± 2.7 μg/km. Short-term exposure to PM2.5 was correlated with statistically significant at low-traffic for SBP (p=0.015) and FEV1/FVC (p=0.036). At low-traffic, FEV1/FVC (r=0.841) was strongly positive correlated to PM2.5 concentrations and other variables (SBP, DBP, FVC and FEV1) were strongly negative correlated (r= -0.897; r= 0.603; r= -0.696, r= -0.696), respectively. At high-traffic, strong negative correlation was observed for FEV1/FVC with (r=-0.580) and poor negative correlation for SBP (r= -0.086) and DBP (r= - 0.029). FVC (r= 0.600) and FEV1 (r= 0.429) were strongly and moderately positive correlated to PM2.5 concentrations, respectively. Conclusion: PM2.5 concentrations at low-traffic cycling routes have impact to cyclists’ blood pressure and lung function as the results revealed PM2.5 correlated to SBP and FEV1/FVC when PM2.5 concentrations were relatively low (37 ± 6.75 μg/m3). Blood pressure may drop after exercise, but the decline depends on how intense the exercise was. Within reason, the health advantages of physical activity would outweigh the risk posed by air pollution. Thus, university management should encourage students and staff to use active transportation and reduce the number of vehicles in campus areas. Keywords: PM2.5, traffic-related air pollution (TRAP), cardiovascular, respiratory illness, cyclist

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms Norafizah Radzuan
Date Deposited:	17 Apr 2024 08:06
Last Modified:	19 Feb 2025 02:20
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/1710

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