The impact of traffic-related air pollution on lung function status and respiratory symptoms among children in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Increasing the range of vehicles on traffic roads in the urban area has led to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) and is currently becoming the main concern for health, especially among children. The study aimed to determine associations between TRAP and respiratory health, also to identify the main factors that influenced them. A cross-sectional comparative study was carried out among children in high and low traffic areas. Air quality monitoring was conducted in six primary schools. A set of standardized questionnaires was distributed to obtain respondents' exposure history and respiratory health symptoms, while spirometry test was carried out to determine the lung function status. There were associations between TRAP and abnormality of FEV1% among children. NO2 was the main predictor that influenced both chest tightness and abnormality of FEV1%. Children exposed to a high level of traffic-related air pollution have an increased risk of respiratory symptoms and abnormality of lung function.