Health Risks of Nitrogen Dioxide Exposure Among Primary School Children in Ogan Ilir, South Sumatra, Indonesia: Effect on Lung Function

Abstract

Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is one of the most dangerous air pollutants as regards human health. Increased traffic volumes on the east-lane roadside of South Sumatra have led to increased NO₂ concentrations. In terms of age and NO₂, children are the greatest risk group. The aim of this research was to estimate health risks of NO₂ and analyze the correlation between exposure and lung capacity. This was an analytical study, with a cross-sectional design and risk analysis. The study group consisted of 100 children of primary school age. The results showed that the noncancer hazard index (HI)for NO₂ exposure based on real-time data was 1.138. In the study population, as shown by the noncancer HI, 22% of students in OganIlir were classified as not at risk (HI < 1), whereas 78% were classified as at risk (HI ≥ 1). According to the results of simple linear regression, FEV1 (Pearson’s test: 0.0001) and FVC (Pearson’s test: 0.0001) showed a significant correlation with noncancer NO₂ risk. The results of simulations suggested that a value of 0.176 mg/m³ can be used as a quality standard recommendation (health advisory) for NO₂ exposure in roadside schools, especially schools abutting inter-provincial roads in South Sumatra