Health Risk Analysis of PM_2.5 on Children at Three School in Bandung City

¹ Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Bandung Institute of Technology, Jl. Ganesha No.10, Bandung 40132, West Java
² Environmental Management and Technology Group, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Bandung Institute of Technology, Jl. Ganesha No.10, Bandung 40132, West Java

^* Corresponding author: aristinamrz@gmail.com

Abstract

Over the past few years, increasing urbanization has resulted in higher concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), worsening health problems, particularly among one of vulnerable groups, children. This cross-sectional study is designed to evaluate the levels of PM_2.5 exposures, the assess health risk associated with PM_2.5 exposures, and their effects on lung function in primary school children in Bandung. The results indicated that the exposure to PM_2.5 above the normal levels. School A had the highest average exposure (166.4 ± 77.2 µg/m³), followed by School B (156.8 ± 115.8 µg/m³), and School C (95.6 ± 46.7 µg/m³). Additionally, certain children showed an elevated risk (RQ>1). PM_2.5 exposures was found to be negatively correlated with poorer lung function, as indicated by lower FEV1.0 and FVC scores. This study reveals concerning levels of PM_2.5 in elementary schools in Bandung, indicating major health consequences such as impaired lung function in children. Immediate measures are required to alleviate the health effects of PM_2.5 pollutions on children in Bandung.