Comparison of Lung Functions Among Asthmatic Children in Malaysia

A comparative study was conducted on 163 asthmatic children from Kuala Lumpur (polluted area) and 38 asthmatic children from Terengganu (less polluted area). The objective of this study was to compare the lung functions of the asthmatic children between the 2 sexes and study areas. Questionnaires and diary cards were used to obtain background information and frequency of asthma attacks. A spirometer was used to measure lung functions of the asthmatic children. Findings showed that there was a significant difference in the FEV,% predicted (p=0.002), FEV/FVC % predicted (p =0.001) and the %FEV/FVC (p=0.002) between male children in the two areas. However, only the FEV,% predicted (p=O.Oll) was significantly different between the female children in the two areas. Significant correlation was also found between the frequency of asthma attacks with FEV)% predicted (p=0.008), FEV/FVC % predicted (p=O.OOI) and % FEV/FVC (p=O.OOI) among the asthmatic children Kuala Lumpur but no significant correlation was found among the asthmatic children in Terengganu

Hubungan Pencemaran Partikel Terampai (PMIO) dengan Pesakit Asma

A study of 30 asthmatic children was conducted in Kuala Lumpur. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between respirable particulates (PMIO) and asthma attacks. This study was conducted from 1st September to 31st December 1994. Patients were selected from the Pediatric Unit, Kuala Lumpur General Hospital. Questionnaires were used to obtain information on the history and severity of asthma attacks of these patients. Diary cards were used to collect information on the frequency of asthma attacks. The patients' progress was followed through every week during the study period and the attacks recorded. The data on air quality and meteorology were collected from the Universiti Pertanian Malaysia air quality monitoring station located at the Kuala Lumpur City Hall. Based on the interviews, parents perceived that the causal factors of asthma attacks were cold weather (73.3%), air pollution (70%), and diet (67.7%). Statistical tests indicated that there was a significant relationship between asthma attacks and the PM10 concentration (r~0.73) throughout the study period. During the haze episode, the relationship between asthma attacks and PMIO concentrations was more significant (r = 0.86)

Safe concentration of benzene exposure in work environment at motor workshop

Benzene is a colorless liquid that can evaporate rapidly in air and slightly dissolved in water. Exposure of benzene to the body has a very adverse impact on health. The aims of this research were to know benzene risk characteristic or RQ, and safe concentration of benzene exposure in a workshop environment. This research was observational, cross-sectional design with a population of 7 workers of the motor industry in Surabaya. The benzene exposure in the workplace was measured by Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID). Data analysis was done by using quantitative data. Maximum benzene intake received by workers was 0.1837 mg/kg/day. RQ on average workers more than 1 (> 1), with the highest RQ of 22.673. The highest safe concentration of workers was 3.9 mg/m3 and the lowest safe concentration was 0.4 mg/m3. The concentration of benzene exposure in the motor industry showed was above the threshold limit. According to the regulation of Manpower and Transmigration Ministry No 13 the year 2011, RQ for benzene showed a high-risk impact for workers, the smallest safe concentration for the worker was 0.4 mg/m3

Effect of resin content and pressure on the performance properties of rubberwood-kenaf composite board panel

The possibility of manufacturing rubberwood and kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) stem medium density fibreboard (MDF) panels at different pressure and resin content were investigated. The effect of mechanisms of interacted independent variables (resin content and pressure) on MDF properties was analyzed. The board performance was evaluated by measuring internal bond (IB) strength, modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), water absorption (WA) and thickness swell (TS). The test results were statistically analyzed by using response surface method (RSM) to determine the significant independent variables that influenced MDF properties. A mathematical simulation or response surface models were developed to predict the MDF properties (MOR, MOE, IB, WA and TS). The obtained results showed that MDF density and all interactions between the experimental variables were significant factors that influenced the mechanical properties of MDF. At 8 bar and 14 % resin content, the MDF recorded WA of 83.12 % and TS of 20.2 %. It can be inferred that two parameters (resin content and pressure) had positive effect on physical and mechanical properties of MDF. We concluded that resin content show more significant effects on MDF manufacturing as compared to pressure parameters