Persekitaran Dan Serangan Asma Di Kalangan Kanak-Kanak Di Kuala Lumpur Dan Terengganu

Satu kajian perbandingan yang melibatkan kanak-kanak asma di kawasan Kuala Lumpur (tercemar) dan Terengganu (kurang tercemar) telah dijalankan. Melalui persampelan bertujuan seramai 163 orang kanak-kanak asma di Kuala Lumpur dan 38 orang kanak-kanak asma di Terengganu telah dipilih dalam kajian. Objektif kajian adalah mengkaji pengaruh faktor-faktor persekitaran kediaman dan udara ambien ke atas kekerapan serangan di kalangan kanakkanak asma di Kuala Lumpur dan Terengganu. Kajian berbentuk epidemiologi prospektif ini telah dijalankan dari 26 Jun sehingga 23 November 1 9 96. Borang soal-selidik digunakan untuk mendapatkan maklumat latarbelakang sosioekonomi, sejarah dan tahap penyakit, manakala kad diari pula digunakan untuk mendapatkan maklumat serangan asma harian. Data kualiti udara di kawasan Kuala Lumpur diperolehi dari Jabatan Alam Sekitar, Kuala Lumpur dan stesyennya terletak di Dewan Bandaraya

Association of PM10 and PM2.5 exposure with respiratory health of the children living near palm oil mill, Dengkil

Waste and by-products form palm oil trees are versatile and can be used as biomass fuel, but the processes of producing electricity by using low pressure boilers are causing air pollution. The objective of this study is to determine the association between PM10 and PM2.5 exposure with respiratory symptoms and lung function among children living near to palm oil mill. A cross- Sectional comparative study was carried out among school children at Dengkil and Kerling. Questionnaires adopted from ATS-DLD-78-C were distributed to the respondents’ parents. PM10 and PM2.5 was measured. Lung function of the respondents was evaluated by using Chest Graph Spirometer; results were compared with standards of lung function, by ATS (1991). There was a significant difference for Mean±SD PM10 and PM2.5 in studied and comparative area, (p<0.05). There were significant association between PM10 with wheezing and cough (PR=5.220, CI%=1.030-26.453) and (PR=3.289 CI%=1.074-10.072). The study indicates that the lung function of; FEV1 % (t=-4.54, p=0.001) and FEV1/FVC % (t=-7.00, p=0.001) were lower among studied group compared to the comparative group. Results also showed that there is a significant inverse correlation between PM2.5 and FVC% (r=-0.352, p=0.0226). The need for palm oil mill management to evaluate the effectiveness of their implemented control measure seems to be very important, as black soot emitted from boilers stack is believed to contain high level of. The high efficiency biomass boiler and the used of fabric filters should be considered if the implemented control measure is not functioning effectively

An overview of indoor air quality and its impact on respiratory health among Malaysian school-aged children

The indoor environment is a major source of human exposure to pollutants. Some pollutants can have concentrations that are several times higher indoors than outdoors. Prolonged exposure may lead to adverse biologic effects, even at low concentrations. Several studies done in Malaysia had underlined the role of indoor air pollution in affecting respiratory health, especially for school-aged children. A critical review was conducted on the quantitative literature linking indoor air pollution with respiratory illnesses among school-aged children. This paper reviews evidence of the association between indoor air quality (IAQ) and its implications on respiratory health among Malaysian school-aged children. This review summarizes six relevant studies conducted in Malaysia for the past 10 years. Previous epidemiologic studies relevant to indoor air pollutants and their implications on school-aged children's respiratory health were obtained from electronic database and included as a reference in this review. The existing reviewed data emphasize the impact of IAQ parameters, namely, indoor temperature, ventilation rates, indoor concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matters (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and airborne microbes, on children's respiratory health. The study found that most of the Malaysian school-aged children are exposed to the inadequate environment during their times spent either in their houses or in their classrooms, which is not in compliance with the established standards. Children living in households or studying in schools in urban areas are more likely to suffer from respiratory illnesses compared with children living in homes or studying in schools in rural areas

Traffic related air pollution and its impact on respiratory health among children

Exposure to traffic related air pollution (TRAP) is a public health concern particularly in children, who are one of the most susceptible groups of the population. Children are more vulnerable to such exposure by virtue of their increased susceptibility and the higher doses received. The materials for this review was obtained from several online databases ; PubMed, Proquest, Scopus, Springerlink and Science Direct (year 1990 to 2018). In this review, we emphasized several relevant studies on respiratory health effects among children living in the proximity to heavy traffic area and focus on the factors, which contributed to the severity of the health outcomes. Short term TRAP exposure reduces lung function, increases respiratory symptoms and incidence of asthma and allergic diseases especially for those who living within 75 m from the heavy traffic area. Preventive measures must be taken in order to protect children from exposure to traffic air pollutants

Isolation and identification of mold from naturally ventilated preschools in urban and suburban area in Selangor

Mold includes airborne particles of biological origin. Exposure to mold in damp buildings has been associated with the risk of experiencing health problem. Children may be exposed to mold spores through the respiratory tract, when they inhale or through skin contact. This study is a comparative cross-sectional study which was carried out in Malay preschools. A total of 270 respondents and 12 preschools from both locations (Puchong and Hulu Langat) were involved in this study. This study aimed at identifying different types of fungi present in selected preschools in Selangor. Indoor isolation of fungi was done using an instrument known as PBI Duos SAS Super 360™bioaerosol sampler and Sabouraud dextrous agar (SDA) was used for the cultivation and identification of mold in selected preschools. Mold colonies were represented as colony forming units (CFUm3). Further identification of fungi was done based on their macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. Total of 12 preschools and 36 houses were selected to participate in this study. Mold isolated from preschools in study and comparative area include; Candida albican, Aspergillus niger, Microsporium canisand Penicillium notatum. Analysis has shown a significant difference between mold level which were isolated in industrial and suburban preschools (p<0.05) for preschools and homes sampled. In conclusion,this study found that indoor exposure to mold were higher among preschools in the urban area than those in suburban area. Water damaged materials provide a good environment for the growth and multiplication of mold

Indoor particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and lung function among children living near busy road in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur

A huge amount of cars in the city, mostly heavy traffic jam during rush hours may cause air pollution. Epidemiological studies have provided evidence that exposure to PM2.5 decreases the lung function among children living near busy road.The aim of this study was to determine the exposure of indoor PM2.5 and lung function among children living near busy road, and comparative group of children living near less busy road in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. Purposive sampling method was used where the samples selected were those who fulfilled the inclusive criteria for each location studied. Personal and socio-demography background, and other related information were adopted from standardized and structured questionnaire of American Thoracic Society. Air sampling pumps based on gravimetric principle were used to measure indoor PM2.5 in the respondents’ house. Lung function was measured using Chest Graph Spirometry. There was a significant difference of indoor PM2.5, lung function abnormality and respiratory symptoms between exposed and comparative group with the value of(t=-2.496, p=0.014);(χ2=17.926, p=0.000) and (χ2 =7.259, p=0.007) for predicted FEV% and FVC%; and(p=0.000) respectively; however overall lung function status was weakly associated with indoor PM2.5. Children living near busy road have significantly higher indoor PM2.5 concentration than less busy road which makes them at higher risk of respiratory illnesses. However, the specific airborne toxicants that facilitate and promote respiratory effects are still not clearly known. Since population characteristics are specific, the results of this study cannot be generalized

Relationship between exposure to particulate matter and biomarkers among bus driver In Klang Valley.

This cross-sectional comparative study investigates the association between particulate matters (PM; PM10, PM2.5 and ultrafine particle (UFP) and concentration of biomarkers; Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor- Alpha (TNF-α) using 62 bus drivers as exposed group and 62 administrative staff as comparative group in Klang Valley, Malaysia. T-test results showed that the mean exposure level of PM10 (t = 8.14, p<0.01), PM2.5 (t = 9.95, p<0.01) and UFP (t = 19.61, p<0.01) were significantly higher among the bus drivers compared to comparative group. Mann-Whitney U test of IL-6 (z = -2.43, p<0.05) and TNF-α (z = -5.88, p<0.01) were also found to be significantly higher in the bus drivers. Positive correlations were found between the exposure level of PM and concentration of biomarkers. In conclusion, the bus drivers showed higher concentration of IL-6 and TNF-α and were at a higher risk of getting respiratory illnesses compared to comparative group. Thus, more attention should be given on the control of high level of exposure to PM in order to minimize the adverse health effects among the groups at risk

Exposure to industrial air pollutants and respiratory health school and home exposure among primary school children in Kemaman, Terengganu

Exposure to air pollution leads to a wide range of acute and chronic airways effects. Compared adults, children are particularly at risk due to the immaturity of their respiratory organ systems. This study is intended to determine the exposure of Industrial Air Pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2 and VOCs) and its association with respiratory symptoms among Primary School Children in industrial and non-industrial area at Kemaman, Terengganu. A cross-sectional comparative study was carried out among Malay primary school children in Kemaman, Terengganu. A standardized set of questionnaire are adapted from the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire were used to obtain the background information, exposure history and respiratory symptoms of the respondents. Indoor air quality assessments were conducted in each primary school and homes using several indoor air monitoring instruments includes Dust Trak DRX Aerosol Monitor 8534, Air Sampling Pump, PbbRAE Portable VOC Monitor (pbbRAE 3000), LaMotte Air Sampling Pump, Q-TrakPlus Model 8554 Monitor and TSI VelocicalcPlus Model 8386. The median and interquartile range of concentration of PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2 and VOCs in classrooms and homes of exposed group was higher than the values in comparative group at p<0.001. Respiratory symptoms show a significant difference between exposed and comparative group at p<0.001. The reported respiratory symptoms were based on the questionnaire that fulfill by their parents. Data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Science (SPSS) Version 21. This study showed that the exposure to industrial air pollutants increased the risk of getting respiratory tract symptoms among primary school children living near industry area

Behaviour based safety approach and factors affecting unsafe behaviour in construction sector: a review

Objective: Construction sector is a critical sector due to high accidents and fatality rates, while unsafe behaviours like hu- man errors and inappropriate operations has been reported as the main cause of accidents. The purpose of this review is to explore the factors influencing unsafe behaviour and to introduce the Behaviour Based Safety (BBS) approach for accident prevention triggered by those unsafe behaviours. Method: This paper reviews several relevant studies on unsafe behaviour and Behaviour Based Safety (BBS) approach in the construction sector. Resources for this review are obtained from several online databases where studies are categorized based on their findings. Findings: The factors behind accidents and unsafe behaviour can be categorized into 8 main categories; Individual Factors, Site condition, Work group, Contractor, Supervision, Project Management, Organization, and Society. Daily observations, workgroups focus and use participative goals with multiple feedback mechanisms are the ideal components of an effective Behaviour Based Safety (BBS). Conclusion: The review provides a link between unsafe behaviour and Behaviour Based Safety (BBS) approach as an ef- fective process in changing the behaviour of workers in the construction sector

Industrial air pollutants and its association with respiratory health (lung function test) among primary school children in Kemaman, Terengganu

There are an extensive evidence that air pollutants that comes from industrial areas do have an adverse effects on the respiratory health of the children. This study is intended to determine the exposure of industrial air pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2 and VOCs) and its association with respiratory health among primary school children in industrial and non-industrial area at Kemaman, Terengganu. A crosssectional comparative study was carried out among Malay primary school children in Kemaman, Terengganu. A standardized set of questionnaire are adapted from the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. Indoor air quality assessments were conducted in each primary school and homes using several indoor air monitoring instruments. MM-SP004 tabletop portable spirometers were used to conduct a lung function test among the children. There were significant associations between PM10 with FVC% and FEV1% (PR = 6.77, 95%CI= 1.52-30.13) and (PR = 6.10, 95% CI = 1.75-21.00), PM2.5with FEV1% (PR = 3.13, 95% Cl= 1.20-8.21), NO2with FVC% and FEV1% (PR = 5.54, 95% Cl = 1.24-24.70) and (PR = 4.94, 95% Cl= 1.42-17.10) and SO2 with FVC% and FEV1 % (PR =10.00, 95%CI= 2.25-44.52) and (PR = 6.35, 95% Cl= 2.10-19.30). Results also reveal that FVC (Liter), FEV1 % and FEV1/FVC % were significantly lower among the exposed group compared to the comparative group (Z = -2.43, p < 0.05), (Z = -4.43, p < 0.05) and (Z = -4.80, p < 0.05). The findings showed that exposures to industrial air pollutants might increase the risk of getting lung function abnormality and respiratory illness among study respondents