A comparative study of particulate matter (PM₂.₅) and pulmonary effect among school students

A comparative cross sectional study was done to assess the pulmonary effects due to exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM₂.₅) among school students in selected rural area (Teluk lntan) (n=42) and compared with an urban area (Kuala Lumpur) (n=42). Ambient environment was measured by using environmental monitoring (EVM-7 series, Quest Technologies, Inc.). Adapted Questionnaires (ATS-DLD-78-A) were administered among the selected school children to obtain their medical history and respiratory symptoms. Pulmonary effects were assessed by using Yitalograph Spirometer 2120. The PM₂.₅ concentrations for daytime in the urban area was 37.53µg/mᵌ while for the rural area was 7.07µg/m3 which showed a significant difference (p=0.039). The night time measurements for PM₂.₅ in urban area was 3 l .88µg/mᵌ and for the rural area was 3.78µg/m3 with significant difference (p=0.019). FEY i/FYC Predicted % variables showed significant difference (p=0.00 I) and the mean for urban area was 96.45 ± 20.02 while for rural area was I 08.58 ± 8.49. The FEY 1 Predicted% mean was 73.06 ± 19.43 for urban and 83.77 ± 12.59 for rural area with a significant difference (p=0.004). Chi-square analysis for respiratory problems and other related symptoms experienced by study respondents showed significant difference with being breathless (p=0.004), eye irritation (p=0.033) and nose irritation (p=0.000 I). There was a significant correlation for concentration of Particulate Matter (PM₂₅) with lung function performance identified on FEY i/FYC Predicted % (p=0.004, r=-0.327) and FEY1 Predicted % (p=0.032 1= -0.229). The analysis for the Chronic Daily - Inspiration (CDI) of pollutants among school children in urban was 1.2 lmg/(kg-day) compared 0.26 mg/ (kg-day) to the rural area with a significant difference (p=0.0001). In conclusion, the school students in the urban area are exposed to higher concentration of fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) and showed a clear decrease in their lung function performances