Relationship between traffic-related air pollutant during vehicle idling and respiratory health effect among primary school children in SK Jalan 3, Bandar Baru Bangi

Subramaniam, Tiruchelvi (2019) Relationship between traffic-related air pollutant during vehicle idling and respiratory health effect among primary school children in SK Jalan 3, Bandar Baru Bangi. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Introduction: Car exhaust emissions contains traffic-related air pollutants (TRAP) including particulates airborne when fossil fuels is combusted as car idle or accelerates. Vehicle idling is one of the major contributors to traffic related air pollutants within school areas which give adverse health effect to school children. However, there has been little study reported adverse effects on school children's respiratory health from such exposure to vehicle idling activity. Objectives: This study is conducted to determine the relationship between concentrations of TRAP during vehicle idling and respiratory symptoms among primary school children. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2019 where air sampling was monitored at drop off-pickup zone in a primary school located in Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor. PM2.5 were measured by using SidePak AM520 where the sampling were conducted for 1 hour 10 minutes during drop-off (6:30am to 7:40am) and pick-up (12:45pm to 1:50pm). The traffic density at the sampling location were calculated manual and meteorological data was observed using Kestrel 5500 Weather Meter. A validated questionnaire from International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAS) for 6-7 years old were distributed to 91 respondents from self-assessment by their parents or guardian. Lung function test was used to assess the FVC, FEV1 , FVC% predicted, FEV1 % predicted and FVC/FEV1 % predicted using Spirometer H1-105. Result: The levels of PM2.5 during drop-off were higher 78% (38.3±10.7 μg/m3 ) during drop off compare to pick up time (29.7±12.5 μg/m3 ). The concentrations of PM2.5 were 1.5 times lower during the weekend compared to weekday measurements. The traffic count for the weekdays were l 0 times higher compared to the weekends. There were significant association between TRAP and lung function of children where FEV 1 % predicted (p=0.05), FVC/FEV1 % predicted (p=0.029). Conclusion: Exposure to TRAP during car idling significantly reduces the respiratory health of the children. This study suggests the school administration to consider introducing no-idling zone within their school proximity to ensure clean air for the school children. We also suggest the school management to be more strict in the number of vehicle using the school road where it encourage the students who live near the school to adopt active commuting by walking or cycling to school. Keywords: Vehicle idling, Traffic-Related Air Pollutants (TRAPs), Respiratory health effect

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms Norafizah Radzuan
Date Deposited:	09 Apr 2025 03:17
Last Modified:	09 Apr 2025 03:17
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2352

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