ASSOCIATIONS OF EXPOSURE TO PM₁₀ AND PM_2.5 WITH RESPIRATORY HEALTH SYMPTOMS AND LUNG FUNC¹T⁰ION STAT^2.5US AMONG CHILDREN LIVING NEAR PALM OIL ACTIVITY IN SEMENYIH, SELANGOR

The use of biomass fuels in palm oil boilers produces pollutants into the air, such as particulate matter (PM). PM has been linked to many respiratory health symptoms in humans, especially children. This study aims to determine the exposure of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 in the air and its association with respiratory symptoms and lung function implications among children in Semenyih, Selangor. A cross-sectional study was carried out among primary school children in Hulu Langat and Semenyih, Selangor. Eighty-six children from two primary schools in Hulu Langat were selected for the comparative group, while 50 children from two primary schools in Semenyih were selected for the study group. 30 and 32 houses were selected as study and comparative sites. A validated questionnaire from American Thoracic Society (ATS-DLD-78-C) was used to determine respondents' background, previous illnesses and respiratory symptoms. PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 were measured in schools and houses using the TSI DustTrak DRX Aerosol Monitor Model 8534 and Escort LC Personal Sampling Pump. A spirometer was used to obtain lung function status among children. Analysis showed high levels of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 recorded in schools and houses of the study areas at p<0.05. The highest concentrations of PM₁₀ (mean: 117.13 Ltg/m³) and PM₂₅ (mean: 76.22 117.13 Ltg/m³) in a school were detected in S2, located 650m from the palm oil plant. High levels of PM₁₀ (PR=14.24, 95% CI=4.17-48.53) and PM_2.5 (PR=30.0, 95% CI=5.936-151.62) were found in houses in the study area (p<0.05). Significant levels of all respiratory health symptoms in schools were recorded at p<0.05 for cough (PR=2.90, 95% CI=1.24-6.80), phlegm (PR=9.72, 95% CI=2.61-36.16), wheezing (PR=6.30, 95% CI=2.11-18.81) and chest tightness (PR=8.74, 95% CI=2.33-32.77). High levels of PM₁₀ were significantly associated with cough (p=0.013, PR=4.72, 95% CI=1.43-15.59) and wheezing (p=0.029, PR=4.83, 95% CI=1.18-19.80) in houses. Cough (p=0.02, PR=6.43, 95% CI=1.26-32.83) and phlegm (p=0.049, PR=7.75, 95% CI=0.87-68.77) symptoms were associated with the high exposure to PM_2.5 in houses. Significant lung function abnormalities of FVC, FEV₁ and FEV₁/FVC were found among children in the study group (p<0.05). PM₁₀ had significant inverse relationship with FVC% (p=0.018, r=-0.332) and FEV₁% (p=0.001, r=-0.438) parameters, while PM_2.5 had a significant inverse correlation with FEV₁% (p=0.049, r=-0.042). Concentration of PM₁₀ has been identified as a factor influencing the FVC (p=0.028, PR=1.02, 95% CI=1.002-1.038) and FEV₁ (p=0.023, PR=1.018, 95% CI=1.002-1.035) lung function status after controlling all confounders. This study concludes that palm oil plants release large amounts of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 into the air and have increased the risk of lung function abnormalities and respiratory illnesses among children who live near this industrial site.