Carbon monoxide exposure assessment among toll operators in Klang Valley, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Samsuddin, Niza and Hashim, Jamal Hisham (2007) Carbon monoxide exposure assessment among toll operators in Klang Valley, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 17 (2). pp. 95-103. ISSN 0960-3123(print),1369-1619(online)

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Abstract

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted to determine tollbooth carbon monoxide (CO) levels and carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) levels among the tollbooth operators and office workers in the Klang Valley, Kuala Lumpur. All tollbooths were equipped with well functioning air-conditioning. The total number of respondents was 180: 90 toll operators and 90 office workers aged between 19 and 52 years. The highest peak of CO level recorded was 61 ppm. The highest average peak CO level within a shift was 30 ppm. The CO level was higher during peak traffic at 6.00 – 8.00 a.m. There was no significant correlation between average peak CO level with vehicle load (r = −0.007, p = 0.474). The toll operators' median COHb level (1.0%, IQR = 0.8%) was significantly higher (p = 0.008) compared to office workers (0.7%, IQR = 0.8). There was a weak and significant correlation between COHb levels with average peak CO levels (r = 0.228, p = 0.031). In conclusion, tollbooth operators were chronically exposed to CO leading to higher COHb levels compared to office workers.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	3750/11824
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Community Medicine (Effective: 1st January 2011)
Depositing User:	Dr Niza Samsuddin
Date Deposited:	18 Jun 2013 09:50
Last Modified:	18 Jun 2013 09:50
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/11824

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