Traffic-related Air Pollution (TRAP), Air Quality Perception and Respiratory Health Symptoms of Active Commuters in a University Outdoor Environment

Abstract

Air quality plays significant role in human’s health and wellbeing. Vehicle exhaust emissions may lead to health risks especially people who are actively commute. This study aims to examine the association between traffic-related air pollution, perception on traffic pollution and respiratory health symptoms among pedestrian and cyclists in a university campus located in Selangor, Malaysia. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic, air quality perception and respiratory health symptoms among university students (N = 180). Air pollutants (PM₁₀, PM_2.5 and ozone(O₃)) were measured during rush hour (morning, afternoon and evening) simultaneously with traffic count nearby campus roadsides. The average levels of PM₁₀ (83.8 µg/m³), PM_2.5 (48.9 µg/m³) and O₃ (314.9 µg/m³) were higher during rush hour measurements. 51.1% participants agreed that high number of old and private vehicles were the major contributor of air pollution. There were significant associations between each level of traffic-related air pollutants and air quality perception and respiratory health symptoms (p<0.05). This study suggests preventive measures for the university management to control traffic-related air pollution in the campus areas.