The policy of encouraging agriculture and development for mass tourism has led to environmental p... more The policy of encouraging agriculture and development for mass tourism has led to environmental problems in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. Rampant development and land clearing have significantly altered the land cover of Cameron Highlands for the past 30 years. Sensitive highlands areas are prone to landslides and soil erosion which then contributed to the main water pollution issues in the network of river system, sedimentation and siltation. The continuous trend of river water quality deterioration in Cameron Highlands has raised the issues for discussion in this review article. The purpose of this review is to briefly summarize the land use change, agriculture practices, agro-tourism, and agriculture policy and management toward water quality of the river system network in Cameron Highlands specifically in the downtown where most of the development and agriculture activities are concentrated. A rigorous review has been done on the existing literature to determine the relationship between land use change and agriculture practices toward river water quality in Cameron Highlands from 2001 to 2017. The total number of reviewed papers was 68. The outcomes established from previous researchers have highlighted factors such as soil erosion, landslides, agriculture activities, urbanization, and unplanned development associated with land use change have significantly influenced the river water quality in the highland areas. Continuous land use changes without proper development plan and law enforcement may critically threaten the sustainability of river network in the highlands area.
Agriculture sector accounts significant numbers of injuries and fatalities in the workplace parti... more Agriculture sector accounts significant numbers of injuries and fatalities in the workplace particularly related to pesticide management. Among three main pathways of pesticide exposure, dermal contact is the most common route, which exposure usually occurs during pesticide mixing/loading, application, harvesting and other farming activities. This review aims to present and discuss several vital components of pesticide dermal exposure among agriculture workers, as well as pesticide application in agriculture sector in Malaysia involving different commodity agriculture sub-sectors. Pesticide exposure was discussed from perspective of three pesticide management activities (i.e. preparation, application and cleaning) that contribute to the risk of exposure through three routes (i.e. emission, deposition, transfer). Moreover, this paper also discussed pesticide dermal exposure risk assessment methods which can be defined into exposure assessment and effect assessment. The exposure rate was affected by various factors such as application equipment, application rate and duration, type of pesticide formulation, pesticide management stage, usage of personal protective equipment, training and aptitude of the applicator as well as environmental factors (i.e. temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction). The factors mention earlier have been used to explain the exposure distribution over different parts of the body and support the fact that pesticide type was not a major factor in total exposure.
Study determined the concentration of heavy metals in the selected tobacco of the commercial and ... more Study determined the concentration of heavy metals in the selected tobacco of the commercial and do it yourself (DIY) cigarette available in Malaysian market. Tobacco was sampled based on the type and flavor (N=24). The samples were oven dried (48 hr), ground and sieved before analyzed using XRF technique. The highest element detected was Fe (1155.81 ±212.25 mg/ kg), followed by Mn (398.13±84.52 mg/kg), Zn (79.61±39.27 mg/kg), Cr (40.96±14.73 mg/ kg) and Cu (36.11±9.50 mg/kg).Elements with low concentration were Ni (8.13±1.46 mg/kg), Cd (0.88±1.67 mg/kg), Pb (0.63±0.94 mg/kg), Hg (0.21±0.46 mg/kg) and As (0.03±0.07 mg/kg). Moderate correlation was detected between As-Pb (r=0.57, p=0.004), Cd-Pb (r=0.484, p=0.016), Cr-Mn (r=-0.491, p=0.015), Cr-Pb (r=-0.433, p=0.034), Cu-Hg (r=0.432, p=0.035), Mn-Ni (r=-0.575, p=0.003), Mn-Pb (r=0.414, p=0.044) and Ni-Pb (r=-0.579, p=0.003). High correlation was detected between Cr-Ni (r=0.845, p< 0.001). Significant non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risk were determine. Heavy metals were detected in the tobacco and significant health risk was determined. IJEP 37 (9) : 742-753 (2017)
Objective: This cross sectional study was to model the soil-plant transfer mechanism of Cd in fer... more Objective: This cross sectional study was to model the soil-plant transfer mechanism of Cd in fern leaves and the health risk associated. Method: A total of 29 fern leaves and soil were sampled from several locations in oil palm plantation and wet market in Pontian, Johor, between June to September 2015. Acid digestion method and Na2EDTA solution were used to digest the sample and the Cd concentration were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The soil-plant transfer mechanism was calculated by Transfer Factor quotient (TF) and human health risk was assessed by Target Hazard Quotient (THQ). Results: In general, Cd was higher in red fern leaves (2.26 ± 0.06 µg/kg) compared to the green fern (0.48 ± 0.10 µg/kg). Cd was also slightly higher in red fern sampling soil (3.32 ± 0.03 µg/kg) compared to green fern soil (2.87 ± 0.005 µg/kg) (Z=-2.402, p = 0.016). Cd in fern leaves and soil samples were within the acceptable range specified by the Malaysia Food Regulation 1985 (1 x 103 µg/kg) and the Dutch reference value (8 x 102 µg/kg). There was no significant correlation between Cd in soil with the fern leaves. Cd was highly accumulated in the roots of red fern leaves (0.71 ± 0.60 µg/k). The soil-plant transfer mechanism indicated that TF was high in root-soil (0.98 µg/kg) and shoot-soil (0.51 µg/kg) of red fern. The THQ demonstrated that the reference population was within the acceptable of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risk.
Groundwater has a significant role as the source of water in Bachok, Kelantan. Groundwater resour... more Groundwater has a significant role as the source of water in Bachok, Kelantan. Groundwater resource is vulnerable to contamination by various anthropogenic activities. Nitrate is one of common groundwater contaminants and the level of nitrate is increased as a result of excrements of livestock, septic tank effluents, nitrogenous fertilizer application, manure applications, municipal and industrial wastewater and sludge disposal. Drinking water containing high levels of nitrate (above 10 mg/L NO 3-N) is associated with various health problems. A total of 256 private well water samples were collected during rainy season (October to December 2014). The groundwater samples were analysed for nitrate and other water quality parameters and assessed by statistical and geostatistical techniques. The potential risk to human health was estimated by using Hazard Quotient (HQ). Nitrate concentrations varied between 0.11 mg/L NO 3-N to 57.23 mg/L NO 3-N and the mean was 9.62 ± 11.25 mg/L NO 3-N. The spatial distribution of nitrate concentrations revealed most of high nitrate concentrations were measured in the paddy field. The health risk analysis indicates 6 sampling points with HQ> 1, located in the paddy field area. However, mostly all hazard quotient calculated showed no health hazard of nitrate in the study area. (International Conference) IJEP 36 (10) : 808-817 (2016)
Objective: This paper provides a review on the application of effective microbe (EM) in food wast... more Objective: This paper provides a review on the application of effective microbe (EM) in food waste composting. It emphasized on the application EM in composting method, the EM properties and the quality of compost with EM in terms of nutrient content and heavy metals concentration. Method: This paper reviewed all related articles on EM from 2000 to 2014. All of the articles were searched through Sco-pus and Google Scholar search engines using specific keywords related to the topic. Result: EM has a great potential to be applied on food waste composting as it can accelerate the composting process and reduce odor during the decomposition of organic material. Conclusion: EM has a great potential to be used in accelerating the composting process and increased nutrient in compost. EM controls the temperature and reduces pathogens in the compost to produce good quality of compost. However, detail assessment is needed to assess the effect of EM application on compost quality and the safety for human health.
Background: : This study developed a smart CO2 detector, which attach to the general ventilation ... more Background: : This study developed a smart CO2 detector, which attach to the general ventilation system to reduce the gas level. Methods: Indoor air quality measurement was performed in five selected rooms between January 2015 to February 2015 using TSI Q-TrakTM Indoor Air Monitor 7575. The perceived indoor air quality conditions was gathered using questionnaires adopted from the Industrial Code of Practice (ICOP) of Indoor Air Quality 2010 by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). The AutoCad 2010 and Soldworks 2011 software were used to design and develop the CO2 detector. Results: The highest concentration of CO2 was determined in the occupied tutorial room (1435 ± 62.6 ppm) fol-lowed by lecture hall 3 (1337.67± 14.6 ppm) and lecture hall 4 (1109 ± 4.0 ppm). The highest temperature was record-ed in occupied tutorial room (29 ± 0.3 ºC) while the highest relative humidity was recorded in occupied lecture hall 4 (76 ± 3.1 %). All of these values exceed the ICOP standard level. Varying room temperature was the most common problem reported (n = 34, 22.7%) followed by unpleasant odors (n = 22, 14.7%) and drafty (n = 21, 14%). The CO2 sensor attached to the general ventilation system triggers the ventilation system to regulate the air into the building more efficiently when CO2 exceeds 800 ppm. The detector may stop the system when the pollutants level is back to normal. Conclusion: The CO2 detector system helps to regulate the air movement and reduce the CO2 level.
High concentrations of nitrate through drinking water have been associated with health problems. ... more High concentrations of nitrate through drinking water have been associated with health problems. This cross sectional study sought to determine the level of nitrate concentrations in private well water and the association to the disease caused by nitrate among population of Bachok, Kelantan. The concentrations of nitrate in 256 wells were sampled from September to October 2015. About 126 respondents from the agricultural area and 130 respondents from the non-agricultural area were participated in the study. The human health risk associated with ingesting nitrate were assessed by Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Odd Ratio (OR). The physicochemical characteristics of well water in both areas (i.e., pH, ammonia, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), conductivity, turbidity, Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) and salinity) were within the acceptable limits of Malaysian Drinking Water Quality Standard. The mean ± SD levels of nitrate in the agricultural area was 13.04±14.39 mg L −1 NO 3-N, exceeding the maximum acceptable limits of Malaysia NDWQS (10 mg L −1 NO 3-N) and were two fold higher than the non-agriculture area (6.31±5.22 mg L −1 NO 3-N). 52 wells (41.27%) in the agricultural area and 35 wells (26.9%) in the non-agricultural area had nitrate level above the maximum acceptable nitrate (10 mg L −1 NO 3-N). The HQ associated with the potential non-carcinogenic risk of drinking nitrate contaminated groundwater ranged from 0.007 to 1.143×10 −6 in the agricultural area, slightly higher than in the non-agricultural area (0.002 to 0.468×10 −6). The OR for disease such as diabetes, goitre and gastric were not significant with high levels of nitrate in the well water. The results of the present study showed that there was no statistically significant association between nitrate in well water and the risk of related health disease such as diabetes, goitre and gastric in this study.
Many cases of dermatologic complication were reported with the use of skin lightening products. T... more Many cases of dermatologic complication were reported with the use of skin lightening products. This study assessed the skin lightening practice and health symptoms among female students. Self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 104 female students (56 undergraduates and 48 postgraduates) aged 24 ± 2 years in Universiti PutraMalaysia. A total of 60.6% (N = 63) of the female students used skin lightening products (61.9% of undergraduates and 38.1% of postgraduates). Reasonable price (𝑁 = 35, 55.6%) and ingredients (𝑁 = 29, 46%) were considered the most important factors in the product selection. Most respondents purchased the product from drugstores (𝑁 = 39, 61.9%). Twenty-two respondents (34.9%) in this study experienced skin problem from the products they used. Skin peeling (N = 13, 12.5%) and acne (N = 9, 8.7%) were the most frequent symptoms experienced. Most of the respondents have the perception that lighter skin provides high self-esteem (N = 56, 53.8%) and looks beautiful and healthier (N = 54, 51.9%).The use of skin lightening products is common among female students in this study and some of these products can cause skin problems such as skin peeling, acne, and itching.
Buku bertajuk Meneroka Interaksi Dinamik dalam Kesihatan Persekitaran, Himpunan Siri Kajian di Ma... more Buku bertajuk Meneroka Interaksi Dinamik dalam Kesihatan Persekitaran, Himpunan Siri Kajian di Malaysia ini dapat digunakan sebagai bahan rujukan kepada masyarakat umum mahupun pelajar yang ingin mendapatkan maklumat berkenaan dengan interaksi dinamik komponen alam sekitar yang berkaitan dengan kesihatan persekitaran. Buku ini ditulis dengan tujuan untuk memberikan pendedahan kepada pembaca berkenaan dengan interaksi dinamik dan hubungkait antara komponen-komponen utama alam sekitar dalam kesihatan persekitaran yang boleh memberi kesan kepada kesihatan manusia. Kefahaman mengenai hubungkait atau interaksi antara alam sekitar dan kesihatan manusia dapat mendorong individu untuk mengambil peranan yang lebih aktif dalam memulihara alam sekitar. Secara umumnya, isu-isu pencemaran alam sekitar adalah kompleks untuk dikupas dan sukar untuk dikaitkan dengan kesihatan manusia. Di dalam banyak kajian keratan rentas melibatkan kesihatan persekitaran, pendedahan kepada sesuatu pencemaran alam sekitar gagal menunjukkan hubungan dengan gejala penyakit. Ini adalah kerana penyakit tersebut hanya boleh dikesan setelah seseorang individu terdedah dengan pencemaran yang lama dan kronik. Oleh itu, kebanyakan kajian epidemiologi adalah merupakan salah satu rekabentuk kajian yang digalakkan bagi membolehkan hubungan antara penyebab dan kesan dapat dilihat. Interaksi dinamik yang perlu penelitian adalah amat penting untuk difahami dan diteroka bagi membolehkan kesan kepada manusia diatasi. Buku ini juga bertujuan untuk mempuk rasa kecintaan masyarakat kepada alam sekitar dan kepentingan memulihara alam sekitar agar persekitaran yang selamat dan sihat terjamin untuk generasi akan datang. Pada dasarnya, generasi kini adalah merupakan individu yang meminjam alam sekitar daripada generasi yang akan datang. Oleh itu, wajib bagi kita memulangkan semula alam sekitar ini kepada anak-anak kita dalam keadaan yang baik atau lebih baik dari sebelumnya. Selain itu, buku ini boleh menjadi bahan rujukan untuk pelajar Bacelor Sains Kesihatan khususnya dalam program Kesihatan Persekitaran dan Pekerjaan. Ianya juga boleh menjadi sumber rujukan kepada pelajar Bacelor Sains Kesihatan untuk program yang lain seperti program Pemakanan dan dietitik, Sains Bioperubatan, Anatomi manusia dan lain-lain. Buku ini juga boleh menjadi bahan bacaan tambahan untuk pelajar dalam pelbagai disiplin Sains seperti Sains Biologi, Sains Kimia, Sains Komuniti, Teknologi industri dan sebagainya.
Published Online 1(1) 2015 (http://www.apeohj.org/apeohj/ojs/index.php/apeohj/index)
Objective: This paper provides an empirical literature on the methodology used in the health risk... more Objective: This paper provides an empirical literature on the methodology used in the health risk assessment of pesticide use in palm oil plantation with the aim for a comprehensive assessment framework through both semi-quantitative and quantitative methods. Method: Semi-quantitative assessment model DREAM and DERM assessed occupational dermal exposure to pesticides. The whole body dosimetry method using uranine tracer is the quantification method of the level to pesticides exposure. The biological monitoring through acetylcholinesterase (AChE) catalytic activity in saliva measures the health risk from the prolong exposure. Conclusions: Incorporate a comprehensive assessment framework through both semi-quantitative and quantitative methods allow us to model the health risk of pesticide use in the oil palm plantation. It is useful for stakeholders for the improvement of the risk assessment scheme, optimization of factors influence level of exposure and development of programs to aware workers on the appropriate use of pesticides.
International Journal of Public Health and Clinical Sciences. e-ISSN : 2289-7577. 2(3), May 2015
Background: Living in proximity to landfill could expose children to heavy metals such as Cadmium... more Background: Living in proximity to landfill could expose children to heavy metals such as Cadmium that can reduce immune system function and lead to an increased risk of infections. Study was aimed to determine the accumulation of Cd in fingernails and the associated health symptoms among school children living in a proximity to non-sanitary landfill sites.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed from November 2013 to February 2014 in Pajam-Nilai, Malaysia. Study involved 70 children aged 7 to 11 years old who reside within 2 to 4 km radius from a non-sanitary landfill. A standard questionnaire was used to determine the socio-demographic background of the respondent, the Cd exposure and the health symptoms. Fingernail samples were collected from the children to indicate metal body burden and the airborne dust was monitored using air sampling pump. Cd in all samples was analyzed using Inductive Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry.
Result: The mean (SD) of Cd in fingernails of children who lives < 2km from landfill was slightly higher (0.20 (0.17) μg/g) than children living 2km (0.10 (0.07) μg/g). The mean (SD) of Cd in airborne dust of children residing near to landfill (< 2 km) was significantly higher (3.85 (0.52) μg/m3) than children who reside > 2km from landfill (3.19 (0.47) μg/m3). No association was found between Cd in fingernails and Cd in the airborne dust. Reside close to landfill and the levels of Cd in fingernails were not associated with the health symptoms in this study.
Conclusion: Although Cd level in fingernail of children living in proximity to landfill was higher than those who lives beyond that, health symptoms had no association with the exposure level.
Soil is a complex matrix and a major reservoir of contamination. It has the ability to bind many
... more Soil is a complex matrix and a major reservoir of contamination. It has the ability to bind many potential toxic elements such as heavy metals and they can exist in various forms. Leachate triggered soil contamination in waste landfill through sorption and migration process. This study determined heavy metals contamination in the soil of non-sanitary landfills in Langat river water catchment area in Selangor. Topsoil samples were collected from four landfill sites and three nonlandfill sites for comparison. Soil type, soil pH, organic matter and exchangeable cations weredetermined using specified method. Available heavy metals in soil samples were determined using Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The distribution of heavy metals across landfill sites were performed using ArcGIS. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical software was used to analyse the finding. The overall findings have indicated that Al (2340±575 mg/kg), Fe (2110±330 mg/kg), Cu (65.1±29.6 mg/kg) and Cd (4.99±1.3 mg/kg) were very high in the agriculture soil. Al and Fe also were high in the residential area soils with the mean ± SD of 2760±128 mg/kg and 1620±710 mg/kg respectively. Other elements such as Mn, Zn and Pb were highly detected in waste landfills. The highest Mn and Zn were detected in landfill site B with the mean ± SD of 76.5±13.9 mg/kg and 17.8±24.0 mg/kg respectively. High concentration of Pb was detected in landfill site D (37.9±37.8 mg/kg) and site B (37.5±24.3 mg/kg) while Cd was high in landfill site A (4.61±0.6 mg/kg) and site D (4.39±1.0 mg/kg). Ni was commonly detected as low in all sites. The highest Ni concentration was determined in landfill site B (1.55±3.06 mg/kg). In conclusion, all heavy metals in the studied soils were within the soil standard except for Cd and Cu. Most of heavy metals were retained at the boundary of the landfills. The mobility of heavy metals in the soil was possibly associated with the acidic-pH soils environment, high organic matter and clay content. In conclusion, the soil contamination occurred in both landfills and non-landfill sites where Cu contamination was found in agriculture soil, residential area and landfill site A while Cd contamination was present in all study sites.
ARPN Journal of Science and Technology 4 (12). ISSN 2225-7217., Dec 31, 2014
Water mimosa and water hyacinth are the two plants with phytoremediation ability. However, the ph... more Water mimosa and water hyacinth are the two plants with phytoremediation ability. However, the phytoremediation
abilities of these plants in terms of the heavy metals uptake, the bio-concentration factor and relative growth is rarely being
assessed and reported. Present study aims to compare the phytoremediation ability of water mimosa and water hyacinth.
Both plants were treated with heavy metals i.e. lead, copper and cadmium in the laboratory in a nutrient solution at
concentrations of 0.5 to 20 mg/L. Treated plants were harvested and tested for heavy metals uptake, bio-concentration
factor, the tolerance index and the relative growth rate. The heavy metals concentration in the root, stems and leaves was
also measured in this study. The overall findings have indicated that water mimosa has lower heavy metals uptake and bioconcentration
factor value compared to water hyacinth. Both plants accumulate high heavy metals in the roots compared to
stems and leaves. Both plants use rhizofiltration (accumulate heavy metal in roots) process to remove heavy metals. This
study concludes that both plants have the potential to be commercialized as phytoremediation agent to clean polluted
water.
Increasing demand of cosmetics all over the world from teen to adult has increased awareness rela... more Increasing demand of cosmetics all over the world from teen to adult has increased awareness related to safety issue. The objective of this paper is to indicate the ingredients that possess health effect that can be found in cosmetics and personal care products. The ingredient was segmented to three parts which are preservatives, fragrances and heavy metal impurities. The related paper was reviewed in terms of the chemicals that commonly identified in the cosmetic and personal care product. This paper also highlighted the health risk possesses by such ingredients in the products. From the papers reviews, many chemicals remained arguable in term of safety and its presence in the products. The chemicals are either added for it intentional purposes or appears unintentionally due to the nature of chemical itself or due to the manufacturing processes. It is suggested that consumers aware over the ingredients used in their cosmetic and personal care products and the side effects it possesses.
This study aims to explore the trend of ambient air pollution (i.e. PM10, CO, NO2, O3) within the... more This study aims to explore the trend of ambient air pollution (i.e. PM10, CO, NO2, O3) within the eight selected Malaysian air monitoring stations in Klang valley of five years database (from 2007 to 2011). It integrated statistical analysis to compare the air pollution database with the recommended Malaysian Ambient Air Quality Guidelines (MAAQG) standard and to determine the association between pollutants and meteorological factors. The geographical information system (GIS) softwarewas used to assess the spatial trend of air pollutants across the north-east and south-west monsoons and the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to determine the major sources of the air pollution. The statistical analysis showed the hourly trends (1-hour averaging time) of PM10, CO, O3 and NO2 in the Klang Valley were below the MAAQG standard. Klang recorded the highest concentration of PM10, while Petaling Jaya recorded the highest concentrations of CO and NO2 and Shah Alam recorded the highest O3. The 24-hour data for PM10 was found to exceed the MAAQG throughout the five-year period. All pollutants were positively correlated with each other with the exception of CO and O3. Meteorological factors, i.e. ambient temperature, wind speed and humidity were alsosignificantly associated with the pollutants. The spatial distribution map indicated that the PM10 levels remain highly concentrated during the south-west monsoon (hot and dry season), while the CO levels were highly concentrated during the north-east monsoon (wet season). NO2 and O3 were highly determined during the first inter-monsoon.
Advances in Research 3(4): 404-416, 2015, Article no.AIR.2015.036 ISSN: 2348-0394 SCIENCEDOMAIN international
Aims: To determine the respiratory inflammation among children living near to non-sanitary munici... more Aims: To determine the respiratory inflammation among children living near to non-sanitary municipal solid waste landfill area and the concentration of Interleukin-6 cytokine.
Study Design: A cross-sectional comparative study design.
Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Pajam, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, between September
2013 and April 2014.
Methodology: A total of 72 children were randomly selected based on the inclusive and exclusive
criteria. A set of pre-tested questionnaires were utilized to obtain socio-demographic information and
to predict health risk faced by the respondents. Saliva samples of the respondents were collected and analyzed using Human Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Platinum ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent
Assay) kit.
Results: The PM10 concentration for the exposed group was higher than the unexposed group with
the mean ± standard deviation (SD) of 152.31±31.07 µg/m3
and 87.77±30.77 µg/m3
respectively.
The mean ± SD of the Interleukin-6 for the exposed group was slightly higher than the unexposed
group with the mean ± SD of 6.34±1.95 pg/ml and 5.77±1.08 pg/ml respectively. The most common
symptoms reported was sneezing and sore throat. There was no significant correlation between
PM10 concentration and IL-6 in this study.
Conclusion: The findings exhibit that there was no association between Interleukin-6 and PM10
concentration of the respondent. However, there are likely potential adverse health impacts arising
from particulates exposure among exposed children in this study. Respondents are advised to have
a medical check-up in order to determine respiratory health status thus elimination the risks of
acquiring respiratory inflammation.
The policy of encouraging agriculture and development for mass tourism has led to environmental p... more The policy of encouraging agriculture and development for mass tourism has led to environmental problems in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. Rampant development and land clearing have significantly altered the land cover of Cameron Highlands for the past 30 years. Sensitive highlands areas are prone to landslides and soil erosion which then contributed to the main water pollution issues in the network of river system, sedimentation and siltation. The continuous trend of river water quality deterioration in Cameron Highlands has raised the issues for discussion in this review article. The purpose of this review is to briefly summarize the land use change, agriculture practices, agro-tourism, and agriculture policy and management toward water quality of the river system network in Cameron Highlands specifically in the downtown where most of the development and agriculture activities are concentrated. A rigorous review has been done on the existing literature to determine the relationship between land use change and agriculture practices toward river water quality in Cameron Highlands from 2001 to 2017. The total number of reviewed papers was 68. The outcomes established from previous researchers have highlighted factors such as soil erosion, landslides, agriculture activities, urbanization, and unplanned development associated with land use change have significantly influenced the river water quality in the highland areas. Continuous land use changes without proper development plan and law enforcement may critically threaten the sustainability of river network in the highlands area.
Agriculture sector accounts significant numbers of injuries and fatalities in the workplace parti... more Agriculture sector accounts significant numbers of injuries and fatalities in the workplace particularly related to pesticide management. Among three main pathways of pesticide exposure, dermal contact is the most common route, which exposure usually occurs during pesticide mixing/loading, application, harvesting and other farming activities. This review aims to present and discuss several vital components of pesticide dermal exposure among agriculture workers, as well as pesticide application in agriculture sector in Malaysia involving different commodity agriculture sub-sectors. Pesticide exposure was discussed from perspective of three pesticide management activities (i.e. preparation, application and cleaning) that contribute to the risk of exposure through three routes (i.e. emission, deposition, transfer). Moreover, this paper also discussed pesticide dermal exposure risk assessment methods which can be defined into exposure assessment and effect assessment. The exposure rate was affected by various factors such as application equipment, application rate and duration, type of pesticide formulation, pesticide management stage, usage of personal protective equipment, training and aptitude of the applicator as well as environmental factors (i.e. temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction). The factors mention earlier have been used to explain the exposure distribution over different parts of the body and support the fact that pesticide type was not a major factor in total exposure.
Study determined the concentration of heavy metals in the selected tobacco of the commercial and ... more Study determined the concentration of heavy metals in the selected tobacco of the commercial and do it yourself (DIY) cigarette available in Malaysian market. Tobacco was sampled based on the type and flavor (N=24). The samples were oven dried (48 hr), ground and sieved before analyzed using XRF technique. The highest element detected was Fe (1155.81 ±212.25 mg/ kg), followed by Mn (398.13±84.52 mg/kg), Zn (79.61±39.27 mg/kg), Cr (40.96±14.73 mg/ kg) and Cu (36.11±9.50 mg/kg).Elements with low concentration were Ni (8.13±1.46 mg/kg), Cd (0.88±1.67 mg/kg), Pb (0.63±0.94 mg/kg), Hg (0.21±0.46 mg/kg) and As (0.03±0.07 mg/kg). Moderate correlation was detected between As-Pb (r=0.57, p=0.004), Cd-Pb (r=0.484, p=0.016), Cr-Mn (r=-0.491, p=0.015), Cr-Pb (r=-0.433, p=0.034), Cu-Hg (r=0.432, p=0.035), Mn-Ni (r=-0.575, p=0.003), Mn-Pb (r=0.414, p=0.044) and Ni-Pb (r=-0.579, p=0.003). High correlation was detected between Cr-Ni (r=0.845, p< 0.001). Significant non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risk were determine. Heavy metals were detected in the tobacco and significant health risk was determined. IJEP 37 (9) : 742-753 (2017)
Objective: This cross sectional study was to model the soil-plant transfer mechanism of Cd in fer... more Objective: This cross sectional study was to model the soil-plant transfer mechanism of Cd in fern leaves and the health risk associated. Method: A total of 29 fern leaves and soil were sampled from several locations in oil palm plantation and wet market in Pontian, Johor, between June to September 2015. Acid digestion method and Na2EDTA solution were used to digest the sample and the Cd concentration were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The soil-plant transfer mechanism was calculated by Transfer Factor quotient (TF) and human health risk was assessed by Target Hazard Quotient (THQ). Results: In general, Cd was higher in red fern leaves (2.26 ± 0.06 µg/kg) compared to the green fern (0.48 ± 0.10 µg/kg). Cd was also slightly higher in red fern sampling soil (3.32 ± 0.03 µg/kg) compared to green fern soil (2.87 ± 0.005 µg/kg) (Z=-2.402, p = 0.016). Cd in fern leaves and soil samples were within the acceptable range specified by the Malaysia Food Regulation 1985 (1 x 103 µg/kg) and the Dutch reference value (8 x 102 µg/kg). There was no significant correlation between Cd in soil with the fern leaves. Cd was highly accumulated in the roots of red fern leaves (0.71 ± 0.60 µg/k). The soil-plant transfer mechanism indicated that TF was high in root-soil (0.98 µg/kg) and shoot-soil (0.51 µg/kg) of red fern. The THQ demonstrated that the reference population was within the acceptable of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risk.
Groundwater has a significant role as the source of water in Bachok, Kelantan. Groundwater resour... more Groundwater has a significant role as the source of water in Bachok, Kelantan. Groundwater resource is vulnerable to contamination by various anthropogenic activities. Nitrate is one of common groundwater contaminants and the level of nitrate is increased as a result of excrements of livestock, septic tank effluents, nitrogenous fertilizer application, manure applications, municipal and industrial wastewater and sludge disposal. Drinking water containing high levels of nitrate (above 10 mg/L NO 3-N) is associated with various health problems. A total of 256 private well water samples were collected during rainy season (October to December 2014). The groundwater samples were analysed for nitrate and other water quality parameters and assessed by statistical and geostatistical techniques. The potential risk to human health was estimated by using Hazard Quotient (HQ). Nitrate concentrations varied between 0.11 mg/L NO 3-N to 57.23 mg/L NO 3-N and the mean was 9.62 ± 11.25 mg/L NO 3-N. The spatial distribution of nitrate concentrations revealed most of high nitrate concentrations were measured in the paddy field. The health risk analysis indicates 6 sampling points with HQ> 1, located in the paddy field area. However, mostly all hazard quotient calculated showed no health hazard of nitrate in the study area. (International Conference) IJEP 36 (10) : 808-817 (2016)
Objective: This paper provides a review on the application of effective microbe (EM) in food wast... more Objective: This paper provides a review on the application of effective microbe (EM) in food waste composting. It emphasized on the application EM in composting method, the EM properties and the quality of compost with EM in terms of nutrient content and heavy metals concentration. Method: This paper reviewed all related articles on EM from 2000 to 2014. All of the articles were searched through Sco-pus and Google Scholar search engines using specific keywords related to the topic. Result: EM has a great potential to be applied on food waste composting as it can accelerate the composting process and reduce odor during the decomposition of organic material. Conclusion: EM has a great potential to be used in accelerating the composting process and increased nutrient in compost. EM controls the temperature and reduces pathogens in the compost to produce good quality of compost. However, detail assessment is needed to assess the effect of EM application on compost quality and the safety for human health.
Background: : This study developed a smart CO2 detector, which attach to the general ventilation ... more Background: : This study developed a smart CO2 detector, which attach to the general ventilation system to reduce the gas level. Methods: Indoor air quality measurement was performed in five selected rooms between January 2015 to February 2015 using TSI Q-TrakTM Indoor Air Monitor 7575. The perceived indoor air quality conditions was gathered using questionnaires adopted from the Industrial Code of Practice (ICOP) of Indoor Air Quality 2010 by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). The AutoCad 2010 and Soldworks 2011 software were used to design and develop the CO2 detector. Results: The highest concentration of CO2 was determined in the occupied tutorial room (1435 ± 62.6 ppm) fol-lowed by lecture hall 3 (1337.67± 14.6 ppm) and lecture hall 4 (1109 ± 4.0 ppm). The highest temperature was record-ed in occupied tutorial room (29 ± 0.3 ºC) while the highest relative humidity was recorded in occupied lecture hall 4 (76 ± 3.1 %). All of these values exceed the ICOP standard level. Varying room temperature was the most common problem reported (n = 34, 22.7%) followed by unpleasant odors (n = 22, 14.7%) and drafty (n = 21, 14%). The CO2 sensor attached to the general ventilation system triggers the ventilation system to regulate the air into the building more efficiently when CO2 exceeds 800 ppm. The detector may stop the system when the pollutants level is back to normal. Conclusion: The CO2 detector system helps to regulate the air movement and reduce the CO2 level.
High concentrations of nitrate through drinking water have been associated with health problems. ... more High concentrations of nitrate through drinking water have been associated with health problems. This cross sectional study sought to determine the level of nitrate concentrations in private well water and the association to the disease caused by nitrate among population of Bachok, Kelantan. The concentrations of nitrate in 256 wells were sampled from September to October 2015. About 126 respondents from the agricultural area and 130 respondents from the non-agricultural area were participated in the study. The human health risk associated with ingesting nitrate were assessed by Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Odd Ratio (OR). The physicochemical characteristics of well water in both areas (i.e., pH, ammonia, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), conductivity, turbidity, Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) and salinity) were within the acceptable limits of Malaysian Drinking Water Quality Standard. The mean ± SD levels of nitrate in the agricultural area was 13.04±14.39 mg L −1 NO 3-N, exceeding the maximum acceptable limits of Malaysia NDWQS (10 mg L −1 NO 3-N) and were two fold higher than the non-agriculture area (6.31±5.22 mg L −1 NO 3-N). 52 wells (41.27%) in the agricultural area and 35 wells (26.9%) in the non-agricultural area had nitrate level above the maximum acceptable nitrate (10 mg L −1 NO 3-N). The HQ associated with the potential non-carcinogenic risk of drinking nitrate contaminated groundwater ranged from 0.007 to 1.143×10 −6 in the agricultural area, slightly higher than in the non-agricultural area (0.002 to 0.468×10 −6). The OR for disease such as diabetes, goitre and gastric were not significant with high levels of nitrate in the well water. The results of the present study showed that there was no statistically significant association between nitrate in well water and the risk of related health disease such as diabetes, goitre and gastric in this study.
Many cases of dermatologic complication were reported with the use of skin lightening products. T... more Many cases of dermatologic complication were reported with the use of skin lightening products. This study assessed the skin lightening practice and health symptoms among female students. Self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 104 female students (56 undergraduates and 48 postgraduates) aged 24 ± 2 years in Universiti PutraMalaysia. A total of 60.6% (N = 63) of the female students used skin lightening products (61.9% of undergraduates and 38.1% of postgraduates). Reasonable price (𝑁 = 35, 55.6%) and ingredients (𝑁 = 29, 46%) were considered the most important factors in the product selection. Most respondents purchased the product from drugstores (𝑁 = 39, 61.9%). Twenty-two respondents (34.9%) in this study experienced skin problem from the products they used. Skin peeling (N = 13, 12.5%) and acne (N = 9, 8.7%) were the most frequent symptoms experienced. Most of the respondents have the perception that lighter skin provides high self-esteem (N = 56, 53.8%) and looks beautiful and healthier (N = 54, 51.9%).The use of skin lightening products is common among female students in this study and some of these products can cause skin problems such as skin peeling, acne, and itching.
Buku bertajuk Meneroka Interaksi Dinamik dalam Kesihatan Persekitaran, Himpunan Siri Kajian di Ma... more Buku bertajuk Meneroka Interaksi Dinamik dalam Kesihatan Persekitaran, Himpunan Siri Kajian di Malaysia ini dapat digunakan sebagai bahan rujukan kepada masyarakat umum mahupun pelajar yang ingin mendapatkan maklumat berkenaan dengan interaksi dinamik komponen alam sekitar yang berkaitan dengan kesihatan persekitaran. Buku ini ditulis dengan tujuan untuk memberikan pendedahan kepada pembaca berkenaan dengan interaksi dinamik dan hubungkait antara komponen-komponen utama alam sekitar dalam kesihatan persekitaran yang boleh memberi kesan kepada kesihatan manusia. Kefahaman mengenai hubungkait atau interaksi antara alam sekitar dan kesihatan manusia dapat mendorong individu untuk mengambil peranan yang lebih aktif dalam memulihara alam sekitar. Secara umumnya, isu-isu pencemaran alam sekitar adalah kompleks untuk dikupas dan sukar untuk dikaitkan dengan kesihatan manusia. Di dalam banyak kajian keratan rentas melibatkan kesihatan persekitaran, pendedahan kepada sesuatu pencemaran alam sekitar gagal menunjukkan hubungan dengan gejala penyakit. Ini adalah kerana penyakit tersebut hanya boleh dikesan setelah seseorang individu terdedah dengan pencemaran yang lama dan kronik. Oleh itu, kebanyakan kajian epidemiologi adalah merupakan salah satu rekabentuk kajian yang digalakkan bagi membolehkan hubungan antara penyebab dan kesan dapat dilihat. Interaksi dinamik yang perlu penelitian adalah amat penting untuk difahami dan diteroka bagi membolehkan kesan kepada manusia diatasi. Buku ini juga bertujuan untuk mempuk rasa kecintaan masyarakat kepada alam sekitar dan kepentingan memulihara alam sekitar agar persekitaran yang selamat dan sihat terjamin untuk generasi akan datang. Pada dasarnya, generasi kini adalah merupakan individu yang meminjam alam sekitar daripada generasi yang akan datang. Oleh itu, wajib bagi kita memulangkan semula alam sekitar ini kepada anak-anak kita dalam keadaan yang baik atau lebih baik dari sebelumnya. Selain itu, buku ini boleh menjadi bahan rujukan untuk pelajar Bacelor Sains Kesihatan khususnya dalam program Kesihatan Persekitaran dan Pekerjaan. Ianya juga boleh menjadi sumber rujukan kepada pelajar Bacelor Sains Kesihatan untuk program yang lain seperti program Pemakanan dan dietitik, Sains Bioperubatan, Anatomi manusia dan lain-lain. Buku ini juga boleh menjadi bahan bacaan tambahan untuk pelajar dalam pelbagai disiplin Sains seperti Sains Biologi, Sains Kimia, Sains Komuniti, Teknologi industri dan sebagainya.
Published Online 1(1) 2015 (http://www.apeohj.org/apeohj/ojs/index.php/apeohj/index)
Objective: This paper provides an empirical literature on the methodology used in the health risk... more Objective: This paper provides an empirical literature on the methodology used in the health risk assessment of pesticide use in palm oil plantation with the aim for a comprehensive assessment framework through both semi-quantitative and quantitative methods. Method: Semi-quantitative assessment model DREAM and DERM assessed occupational dermal exposure to pesticides. The whole body dosimetry method using uranine tracer is the quantification method of the level to pesticides exposure. The biological monitoring through acetylcholinesterase (AChE) catalytic activity in saliva measures the health risk from the prolong exposure. Conclusions: Incorporate a comprehensive assessment framework through both semi-quantitative and quantitative methods allow us to model the health risk of pesticide use in the oil palm plantation. It is useful for stakeholders for the improvement of the risk assessment scheme, optimization of factors influence level of exposure and development of programs to aware workers on the appropriate use of pesticides.
International Journal of Public Health and Clinical Sciences. e-ISSN : 2289-7577. 2(3), May 2015
Background: Living in proximity to landfill could expose children to heavy metals such as Cadmium... more Background: Living in proximity to landfill could expose children to heavy metals such as Cadmium that can reduce immune system function and lead to an increased risk of infections. Study was aimed to determine the accumulation of Cd in fingernails and the associated health symptoms among school children living in a proximity to non-sanitary landfill sites.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed from November 2013 to February 2014 in Pajam-Nilai, Malaysia. Study involved 70 children aged 7 to 11 years old who reside within 2 to 4 km radius from a non-sanitary landfill. A standard questionnaire was used to determine the socio-demographic background of the respondent, the Cd exposure and the health symptoms. Fingernail samples were collected from the children to indicate metal body burden and the airborne dust was monitored using air sampling pump. Cd in all samples was analyzed using Inductive Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry.
Result: The mean (SD) of Cd in fingernails of children who lives < 2km from landfill was slightly higher (0.20 (0.17) μg/g) than children living 2km (0.10 (0.07) μg/g). The mean (SD) of Cd in airborne dust of children residing near to landfill (< 2 km) was significantly higher (3.85 (0.52) μg/m3) than children who reside > 2km from landfill (3.19 (0.47) μg/m3). No association was found between Cd in fingernails and Cd in the airborne dust. Reside close to landfill and the levels of Cd in fingernails were not associated with the health symptoms in this study.
Conclusion: Although Cd level in fingernail of children living in proximity to landfill was higher than those who lives beyond that, health symptoms had no association with the exposure level.
Soil is a complex matrix and a major reservoir of contamination. It has the ability to bind many
... more Soil is a complex matrix and a major reservoir of contamination. It has the ability to bind many potential toxic elements such as heavy metals and they can exist in various forms. Leachate triggered soil contamination in waste landfill through sorption and migration process. This study determined heavy metals contamination in the soil of non-sanitary landfills in Langat river water catchment area in Selangor. Topsoil samples were collected from four landfill sites and three nonlandfill sites for comparison. Soil type, soil pH, organic matter and exchangeable cations weredetermined using specified method. Available heavy metals in soil samples were determined using Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The distribution of heavy metals across landfill sites were performed using ArcGIS. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical software was used to analyse the finding. The overall findings have indicated that Al (2340±575 mg/kg), Fe (2110±330 mg/kg), Cu (65.1±29.6 mg/kg) and Cd (4.99±1.3 mg/kg) were very high in the agriculture soil. Al and Fe also were high in the residential area soils with the mean ± SD of 2760±128 mg/kg and 1620±710 mg/kg respectively. Other elements such as Mn, Zn and Pb were highly detected in waste landfills. The highest Mn and Zn were detected in landfill site B with the mean ± SD of 76.5±13.9 mg/kg and 17.8±24.0 mg/kg respectively. High concentration of Pb was detected in landfill site D (37.9±37.8 mg/kg) and site B (37.5±24.3 mg/kg) while Cd was high in landfill site A (4.61±0.6 mg/kg) and site D (4.39±1.0 mg/kg). Ni was commonly detected as low in all sites. The highest Ni concentration was determined in landfill site B (1.55±3.06 mg/kg). In conclusion, all heavy metals in the studied soils were within the soil standard except for Cd and Cu. Most of heavy metals were retained at the boundary of the landfills. The mobility of heavy metals in the soil was possibly associated with the acidic-pH soils environment, high organic matter and clay content. In conclusion, the soil contamination occurred in both landfills and non-landfill sites where Cu contamination was found in agriculture soil, residential area and landfill site A while Cd contamination was present in all study sites.
ARPN Journal of Science and Technology 4 (12). ISSN 2225-7217., Dec 31, 2014
Water mimosa and water hyacinth are the two plants with phytoremediation ability. However, the ph... more Water mimosa and water hyacinth are the two plants with phytoremediation ability. However, the phytoremediation
abilities of these plants in terms of the heavy metals uptake, the bio-concentration factor and relative growth is rarely being
assessed and reported. Present study aims to compare the phytoremediation ability of water mimosa and water hyacinth.
Both plants were treated with heavy metals i.e. lead, copper and cadmium in the laboratory in a nutrient solution at
concentrations of 0.5 to 20 mg/L. Treated plants were harvested and tested for heavy metals uptake, bio-concentration
factor, the tolerance index and the relative growth rate. The heavy metals concentration in the root, stems and leaves was
also measured in this study. The overall findings have indicated that water mimosa has lower heavy metals uptake and bioconcentration
factor value compared to water hyacinth. Both plants accumulate high heavy metals in the roots compared to
stems and leaves. Both plants use rhizofiltration (accumulate heavy metal in roots) process to remove heavy metals. This
study concludes that both plants have the potential to be commercialized as phytoremediation agent to clean polluted
water.
Increasing demand of cosmetics all over the world from teen to adult has increased awareness rela... more Increasing demand of cosmetics all over the world from teen to adult has increased awareness related to safety issue. The objective of this paper is to indicate the ingredients that possess health effect that can be found in cosmetics and personal care products. The ingredient was segmented to three parts which are preservatives, fragrances and heavy metal impurities. The related paper was reviewed in terms of the chemicals that commonly identified in the cosmetic and personal care product. This paper also highlighted the health risk possesses by such ingredients in the products. From the papers reviews, many chemicals remained arguable in term of safety and its presence in the products. The chemicals are either added for it intentional purposes or appears unintentionally due to the nature of chemical itself or due to the manufacturing processes. It is suggested that consumers aware over the ingredients used in their cosmetic and personal care products and the side effects it possesses.
This study aims to explore the trend of ambient air pollution (i.e. PM10, CO, NO2, O3) within the... more This study aims to explore the trend of ambient air pollution (i.e. PM10, CO, NO2, O3) within the eight selected Malaysian air monitoring stations in Klang valley of five years database (from 2007 to 2011). It integrated statistical analysis to compare the air pollution database with the recommended Malaysian Ambient Air Quality Guidelines (MAAQG) standard and to determine the association between pollutants and meteorological factors. The geographical information system (GIS) softwarewas used to assess the spatial trend of air pollutants across the north-east and south-west monsoons and the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to determine the major sources of the air pollution. The statistical analysis showed the hourly trends (1-hour averaging time) of PM10, CO, O3 and NO2 in the Klang Valley were below the MAAQG standard. Klang recorded the highest concentration of PM10, while Petaling Jaya recorded the highest concentrations of CO and NO2 and Shah Alam recorded the highest O3. The 24-hour data for PM10 was found to exceed the MAAQG throughout the five-year period. All pollutants were positively correlated with each other with the exception of CO and O3. Meteorological factors, i.e. ambient temperature, wind speed and humidity were alsosignificantly associated with the pollutants. The spatial distribution map indicated that the PM10 levels remain highly concentrated during the south-west monsoon (hot and dry season), while the CO levels were highly concentrated during the north-east monsoon (wet season). NO2 and O3 were highly determined during the first inter-monsoon.
Advances in Research 3(4): 404-416, 2015, Article no.AIR.2015.036 ISSN: 2348-0394 SCIENCEDOMAIN international
Aims: To determine the respiratory inflammation among children living near to non-sanitary munici... more Aims: To determine the respiratory inflammation among children living near to non-sanitary municipal solid waste landfill area and the concentration of Interleukin-6 cytokine.
Study Design: A cross-sectional comparative study design.
Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Pajam, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, between September
2013 and April 2014.
Methodology: A total of 72 children were randomly selected based on the inclusive and exclusive
criteria. A set of pre-tested questionnaires were utilized to obtain socio-demographic information and
to predict health risk faced by the respondents. Saliva samples of the respondents were collected and analyzed using Human Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Platinum ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent
Assay) kit.
Results: The PM10 concentration for the exposed group was higher than the unexposed group with
the mean ± standard deviation (SD) of 152.31±31.07 µg/m3
and 87.77±30.77 µg/m3
respectively.
The mean ± SD of the Interleukin-6 for the exposed group was slightly higher than the unexposed
group with the mean ± SD of 6.34±1.95 pg/ml and 5.77±1.08 pg/ml respectively. The most common
symptoms reported was sneezing and sore throat. There was no significant correlation between
PM10 concentration and IL-6 in this study.
Conclusion: The findings exhibit that there was no association between Interleukin-6 and PM10
concentration of the respondent. However, there are likely potential adverse health impacts arising
from particulates exposure among exposed children in this study. Respondents are advised to have
a medical check-up in order to determine respiratory health status thus elimination the risks of
acquiring respiratory inflammation.
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Papers by sharifah norkhadijah syed ismail
Methods: Indoor air quality measurement was performed in five selected rooms between January 2015 to February 2015 using TSI Q-TrakTM Indoor Air Monitor 7575. The perceived indoor air quality conditions was gathered using questionnaires adopted from the Industrial Code of Practice (ICOP) of Indoor Air Quality 2010 by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). The AutoCad 2010 and Soldworks 2011 software were used to design and develop the CO2 detector.
Results: The highest concentration of CO2 was determined in the occupied tutorial room (1435 ± 62.6 ppm) fol-lowed by lecture hall 3 (1337.67± 14.6 ppm) and lecture hall 4 (1109 ± 4.0 ppm). The highest temperature was record-ed in occupied tutorial room (29 ± 0.3 ºC) while the highest relative humidity was recorded in occupied lecture hall 4 (76 ± 3.1 %). All of these values exceed the ICOP standard level. Varying room temperature was the most common problem reported (n = 34, 22.7%) followed by unpleasant odors (n = 22, 14.7%) and drafty (n = 21, 14%). The CO2 sensor attached to the general ventilation system triggers the ventilation system to regulate the air into the building more efficiently when CO2 exceeds 800 ppm. The detector may stop the system when the pollutants level is back to normal.
Conclusion: The CO2 detector system helps to regulate the air movement and reduce the CO2 level.
students (56 undergraduates and 48 postgraduates) aged 24 ± 2 years in Universiti PutraMalaysia. A total of 60.6% (N = 63) of the
female students used skin lightening products (61.9% of undergraduates and 38.1% of postgraduates). Reasonable price (𝑁 = 35, 55.6%) and ingredients (𝑁 = 29, 46%) were considered the most important factors in the product selection. Most respondents
purchased the product from drugstores (𝑁 = 39, 61.9%). Twenty-two respondents (34.9%) in this study experienced skin problem from the products they used. Skin peeling (N = 13, 12.5%) and acne (N = 9, 8.7%) were the most frequent symptoms experienced.
Most of the respondents have the perception that lighter skin provides high self-esteem (N = 56, 53.8%) and looks beautiful and
healthier (N = 54, 51.9%).The use of skin lightening products is common among female students in this study and some of these products can cause skin problems such as skin peeling, acne, and itching.
Secara umumnya, isu-isu pencemaran alam sekitar adalah kompleks untuk dikupas dan sukar untuk dikaitkan dengan kesihatan manusia. Di dalam banyak kajian keratan rentas melibatkan kesihatan persekitaran, pendedahan kepada sesuatu pencemaran alam sekitar gagal menunjukkan hubungan dengan gejala penyakit. Ini adalah kerana penyakit tersebut hanya boleh dikesan setelah seseorang individu terdedah dengan pencemaran yang lama dan kronik. Oleh itu, kebanyakan kajian epidemiologi adalah merupakan salah satu rekabentuk kajian yang digalakkan bagi membolehkan hubungan antara penyebab dan kesan dapat dilihat. Interaksi dinamik yang perlu penelitian adalah amat penting untuk difahami dan diteroka bagi membolehkan kesan kepada manusia diatasi.
Buku ini juga bertujuan untuk mempuk rasa kecintaan masyarakat kepada alam sekitar dan kepentingan memulihara alam sekitar agar persekitaran yang selamat dan sihat terjamin untuk generasi akan datang. Pada dasarnya, generasi kini adalah merupakan individu yang meminjam alam sekitar daripada generasi yang akan datang. Oleh itu, wajib bagi kita memulangkan semula alam sekitar ini kepada anak-anak kita dalam keadaan yang baik atau lebih baik dari sebelumnya.
Selain itu, buku ini boleh menjadi bahan rujukan untuk pelajar Bacelor Sains Kesihatan khususnya dalam program Kesihatan Persekitaran dan Pekerjaan. Ianya juga boleh menjadi sumber rujukan kepada pelajar Bacelor Sains Kesihatan untuk program yang lain seperti program Pemakanan dan dietitik, Sains Bioperubatan, Anatomi manusia dan lain-lain. Buku ini juga boleh menjadi bahan bacaan tambahan untuk pelajar dalam pelbagai disiplin Sains seperti Sains Biologi, Sains Kimia, Sains Komuniti, Teknologi industri dan sebagainya.
use in palm oil plantation with the aim for a comprehensive assessment framework through both semi-quantitative and
quantitative methods.
Method: Semi-quantitative assessment model DREAM and DERM assessed occupational dermal exposure to pesticides.
The whole body dosimetry method using uranine tracer is the quantification method of the level to pesticides exposure. The
biological monitoring through acetylcholinesterase (AChE) catalytic activity in saliva measures the health risk from the
prolong exposure.
Conclusions: Incorporate a comprehensive assessment framework through both semi-quantitative and quantitative methods
allow us to model the health risk of pesticide use in the oil palm plantation. It is useful for stakeholders for the
improvement of the risk assessment scheme, optimization of factors influence level of exposure and development of
programs to aware workers on the appropriate use of pesticides.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed from November 2013 to February 2014 in Pajam-Nilai, Malaysia. Study involved 70 children aged 7 to 11 years old who reside within 2 to 4 km radius from a non-sanitary landfill. A standard questionnaire was used to determine the socio-demographic background of the respondent, the Cd exposure and the health symptoms. Fingernail samples were collected from the children to indicate metal body burden and the airborne dust was monitored using air sampling pump. Cd in all samples was analyzed using Inductive Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry.
Result: The mean (SD) of Cd in fingernails of children who lives < 2km from landfill was slightly higher (0.20 (0.17) μg/g) than children living 2km (0.10 (0.07) μg/g). The mean (SD) of Cd in airborne dust of children residing near to landfill (< 2 km) was significantly higher (3.85 (0.52) μg/m3) than children who reside > 2km from landfill (3.19 (0.47) μg/m3). No association was found between Cd in fingernails and Cd in the airborne dust. Reside close to landfill and the levels of Cd in fingernails were not associated with the health symptoms in this study.
Conclusion: Although Cd level in fingernail of children living in proximity to landfill was higher than those who lives beyond that, health symptoms had no association with the exposure level.
potential toxic elements such as heavy metals and they can exist in various forms. Leachate
triggered soil contamination in waste landfill through sorption and migration process. This study
determined heavy metals contamination in the soil of non-sanitary landfills in Langat river water
catchment area in Selangor. Topsoil samples were collected from four landfill sites and three nonlandfill
sites for comparison. Soil type, soil pH, organic matter and exchangeable cations weredetermined using specified method. Available heavy metals in soil samples were determined using
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The distribution of heavy metals across landfill sites were
performed using ArcGIS. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical software
was used to analyse the finding. The overall findings have indicated that Al (2340±575 mg/kg), Fe
(2110±330 mg/kg), Cu (65.1±29.6 mg/kg) and Cd (4.99±1.3 mg/kg) were very high in the
agriculture soil. Al and Fe also were high in the residential area soils with the mean ± SD of
2760±128 mg/kg and 1620±710 mg/kg respectively. Other elements such as Mn, Zn and Pb were
highly detected in waste landfills. The highest Mn and Zn were detected in landfill site B with the
mean ± SD of 76.5±13.9 mg/kg and 17.8±24.0 mg/kg respectively. High concentration of Pb was
detected in landfill site D (37.9±37.8 mg/kg) and site B (37.5±24.3 mg/kg) while Cd was high in
landfill site A (4.61±0.6 mg/kg) and site D (4.39±1.0 mg/kg). Ni was commonly detected as low in
all sites. The highest Ni concentration was determined in landfill site B (1.55±3.06 mg/kg). In
conclusion, all heavy metals in the studied soils were within the soil standard except for Cd and Cu.
Most of heavy metals were retained at the boundary of the landfills. The mobility of heavy metals in
the soil was possibly associated with the acidic-pH soils environment, high organic matter and clay
content. In conclusion, the soil contamination occurred in both landfills and non-landfill sites where
Cu contamination was found in agriculture soil, residential area and landfill site A while Cd
contamination was present in all study sites.
abilities of these plants in terms of the heavy metals uptake, the bio-concentration factor and relative growth is rarely being
assessed and reported. Present study aims to compare the phytoremediation ability of water mimosa and water hyacinth.
Both plants were treated with heavy metals i.e. lead, copper and cadmium in the laboratory in a nutrient solution at
concentrations of 0.5 to 20 mg/L. Treated plants were harvested and tested for heavy metals uptake, bio-concentration
factor, the tolerance index and the relative growth rate. The heavy metals concentration in the root, stems and leaves was
also measured in this study. The overall findings have indicated that water mimosa has lower heavy metals uptake and bioconcentration
factor value compared to water hyacinth. Both plants accumulate high heavy metals in the roots compared to
stems and leaves. Both plants use rhizofiltration (accumulate heavy metal in roots) process to remove heavy metals. This
study concludes that both plants have the potential to be commercialized as phytoremediation agent to clean polluted
water.
Study Design: A cross-sectional comparative study design.
Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Pajam, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, between September
2013 and April 2014.
Methodology: A total of 72 children were randomly selected based on the inclusive and exclusive
criteria. A set of pre-tested questionnaires were utilized to obtain socio-demographic information and
to predict health risk faced by the respondents. Saliva samples of the respondents were collected and analyzed using Human Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Platinum ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent
Assay) kit.
Results: The PM10 concentration for the exposed group was higher than the unexposed group with
the mean ± standard deviation (SD) of 152.31±31.07 µg/m3
and 87.77±30.77 µg/m3
respectively.
The mean ± SD of the Interleukin-6 for the exposed group was slightly higher than the unexposed
group with the mean ± SD of 6.34±1.95 pg/ml and 5.77±1.08 pg/ml respectively. The most common
symptoms reported was sneezing and sore throat. There was no significant correlation between
PM10 concentration and IL-6 in this study.
Conclusion: The findings exhibit that there was no association between Interleukin-6 and PM10
concentration of the respondent. However, there are likely potential adverse health impacts arising
from particulates exposure among exposed children in this study. Respondents are advised to have
a medical check-up in order to determine respiratory health status thus elimination the risks of
acquiring respiratory inflammation.
Methods: Indoor air quality measurement was performed in five selected rooms between January 2015 to February 2015 using TSI Q-TrakTM Indoor Air Monitor 7575. The perceived indoor air quality conditions was gathered using questionnaires adopted from the Industrial Code of Practice (ICOP) of Indoor Air Quality 2010 by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). The AutoCad 2010 and Soldworks 2011 software were used to design and develop the CO2 detector.
Results: The highest concentration of CO2 was determined in the occupied tutorial room (1435 ± 62.6 ppm) fol-lowed by lecture hall 3 (1337.67± 14.6 ppm) and lecture hall 4 (1109 ± 4.0 ppm). The highest temperature was record-ed in occupied tutorial room (29 ± 0.3 ºC) while the highest relative humidity was recorded in occupied lecture hall 4 (76 ± 3.1 %). All of these values exceed the ICOP standard level. Varying room temperature was the most common problem reported (n = 34, 22.7%) followed by unpleasant odors (n = 22, 14.7%) and drafty (n = 21, 14%). The CO2 sensor attached to the general ventilation system triggers the ventilation system to regulate the air into the building more efficiently when CO2 exceeds 800 ppm. The detector may stop the system when the pollutants level is back to normal.
Conclusion: The CO2 detector system helps to regulate the air movement and reduce the CO2 level.
students (56 undergraduates and 48 postgraduates) aged 24 ± 2 years in Universiti PutraMalaysia. A total of 60.6% (N = 63) of the
female students used skin lightening products (61.9% of undergraduates and 38.1% of postgraduates). Reasonable price (𝑁 = 35, 55.6%) and ingredients (𝑁 = 29, 46%) were considered the most important factors in the product selection. Most respondents
purchased the product from drugstores (𝑁 = 39, 61.9%). Twenty-two respondents (34.9%) in this study experienced skin problem from the products they used. Skin peeling (N = 13, 12.5%) and acne (N = 9, 8.7%) were the most frequent symptoms experienced.
Most of the respondents have the perception that lighter skin provides high self-esteem (N = 56, 53.8%) and looks beautiful and
healthier (N = 54, 51.9%).The use of skin lightening products is common among female students in this study and some of these products can cause skin problems such as skin peeling, acne, and itching.
Secara umumnya, isu-isu pencemaran alam sekitar adalah kompleks untuk dikupas dan sukar untuk dikaitkan dengan kesihatan manusia. Di dalam banyak kajian keratan rentas melibatkan kesihatan persekitaran, pendedahan kepada sesuatu pencemaran alam sekitar gagal menunjukkan hubungan dengan gejala penyakit. Ini adalah kerana penyakit tersebut hanya boleh dikesan setelah seseorang individu terdedah dengan pencemaran yang lama dan kronik. Oleh itu, kebanyakan kajian epidemiologi adalah merupakan salah satu rekabentuk kajian yang digalakkan bagi membolehkan hubungan antara penyebab dan kesan dapat dilihat. Interaksi dinamik yang perlu penelitian adalah amat penting untuk difahami dan diteroka bagi membolehkan kesan kepada manusia diatasi.
Buku ini juga bertujuan untuk mempuk rasa kecintaan masyarakat kepada alam sekitar dan kepentingan memulihara alam sekitar agar persekitaran yang selamat dan sihat terjamin untuk generasi akan datang. Pada dasarnya, generasi kini adalah merupakan individu yang meminjam alam sekitar daripada generasi yang akan datang. Oleh itu, wajib bagi kita memulangkan semula alam sekitar ini kepada anak-anak kita dalam keadaan yang baik atau lebih baik dari sebelumnya.
Selain itu, buku ini boleh menjadi bahan rujukan untuk pelajar Bacelor Sains Kesihatan khususnya dalam program Kesihatan Persekitaran dan Pekerjaan. Ianya juga boleh menjadi sumber rujukan kepada pelajar Bacelor Sains Kesihatan untuk program yang lain seperti program Pemakanan dan dietitik, Sains Bioperubatan, Anatomi manusia dan lain-lain. Buku ini juga boleh menjadi bahan bacaan tambahan untuk pelajar dalam pelbagai disiplin Sains seperti Sains Biologi, Sains Kimia, Sains Komuniti, Teknologi industri dan sebagainya.
use in palm oil plantation with the aim for a comprehensive assessment framework through both semi-quantitative and
quantitative methods.
Method: Semi-quantitative assessment model DREAM and DERM assessed occupational dermal exposure to pesticides.
The whole body dosimetry method using uranine tracer is the quantification method of the level to pesticides exposure. The
biological monitoring through acetylcholinesterase (AChE) catalytic activity in saliva measures the health risk from the
prolong exposure.
Conclusions: Incorporate a comprehensive assessment framework through both semi-quantitative and quantitative methods
allow us to model the health risk of pesticide use in the oil palm plantation. It is useful for stakeholders for the
improvement of the risk assessment scheme, optimization of factors influence level of exposure and development of
programs to aware workers on the appropriate use of pesticides.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed from November 2013 to February 2014 in Pajam-Nilai, Malaysia. Study involved 70 children aged 7 to 11 years old who reside within 2 to 4 km radius from a non-sanitary landfill. A standard questionnaire was used to determine the socio-demographic background of the respondent, the Cd exposure and the health symptoms. Fingernail samples were collected from the children to indicate metal body burden and the airborne dust was monitored using air sampling pump. Cd in all samples was analyzed using Inductive Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry.
Result: The mean (SD) of Cd in fingernails of children who lives < 2km from landfill was slightly higher (0.20 (0.17) μg/g) than children living 2km (0.10 (0.07) μg/g). The mean (SD) of Cd in airborne dust of children residing near to landfill (< 2 km) was significantly higher (3.85 (0.52) μg/m3) than children who reside > 2km from landfill (3.19 (0.47) μg/m3). No association was found between Cd in fingernails and Cd in the airborne dust. Reside close to landfill and the levels of Cd in fingernails were not associated with the health symptoms in this study.
Conclusion: Although Cd level in fingernail of children living in proximity to landfill was higher than those who lives beyond that, health symptoms had no association with the exposure level.
potential toxic elements such as heavy metals and they can exist in various forms. Leachate
triggered soil contamination in waste landfill through sorption and migration process. This study
determined heavy metals contamination in the soil of non-sanitary landfills in Langat river water
catchment area in Selangor. Topsoil samples were collected from four landfill sites and three nonlandfill
sites for comparison. Soil type, soil pH, organic matter and exchangeable cations weredetermined using specified method. Available heavy metals in soil samples were determined using
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The distribution of heavy metals across landfill sites were
performed using ArcGIS. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical software
was used to analyse the finding. The overall findings have indicated that Al (2340±575 mg/kg), Fe
(2110±330 mg/kg), Cu (65.1±29.6 mg/kg) and Cd (4.99±1.3 mg/kg) were very high in the
agriculture soil. Al and Fe also were high in the residential area soils with the mean ± SD of
2760±128 mg/kg and 1620±710 mg/kg respectively. Other elements such as Mn, Zn and Pb were
highly detected in waste landfills. The highest Mn and Zn were detected in landfill site B with the
mean ± SD of 76.5±13.9 mg/kg and 17.8±24.0 mg/kg respectively. High concentration of Pb was
detected in landfill site D (37.9±37.8 mg/kg) and site B (37.5±24.3 mg/kg) while Cd was high in
landfill site A (4.61±0.6 mg/kg) and site D (4.39±1.0 mg/kg). Ni was commonly detected as low in
all sites. The highest Ni concentration was determined in landfill site B (1.55±3.06 mg/kg). In
conclusion, all heavy metals in the studied soils were within the soil standard except for Cd and Cu.
Most of heavy metals were retained at the boundary of the landfills. The mobility of heavy metals in
the soil was possibly associated with the acidic-pH soils environment, high organic matter and clay
content. In conclusion, the soil contamination occurred in both landfills and non-landfill sites where
Cu contamination was found in agriculture soil, residential area and landfill site A while Cd
contamination was present in all study sites.
abilities of these plants in terms of the heavy metals uptake, the bio-concentration factor and relative growth is rarely being
assessed and reported. Present study aims to compare the phytoremediation ability of water mimosa and water hyacinth.
Both plants were treated with heavy metals i.e. lead, copper and cadmium in the laboratory in a nutrient solution at
concentrations of 0.5 to 20 mg/L. Treated plants were harvested and tested for heavy metals uptake, bio-concentration
factor, the tolerance index and the relative growth rate. The heavy metals concentration in the root, stems and leaves was
also measured in this study. The overall findings have indicated that water mimosa has lower heavy metals uptake and bioconcentration
factor value compared to water hyacinth. Both plants accumulate high heavy metals in the roots compared to
stems and leaves. Both plants use rhizofiltration (accumulate heavy metal in roots) process to remove heavy metals. This
study concludes that both plants have the potential to be commercialized as phytoremediation agent to clean polluted
water.
Study Design: A cross-sectional comparative study design.
Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Pajam, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, between September
2013 and April 2014.
Methodology: A total of 72 children were randomly selected based on the inclusive and exclusive
criteria. A set of pre-tested questionnaires were utilized to obtain socio-demographic information and
to predict health risk faced by the respondents. Saliva samples of the respondents were collected and analyzed using Human Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Platinum ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent
Assay) kit.
Results: The PM10 concentration for the exposed group was higher than the unexposed group with
the mean ± standard deviation (SD) of 152.31±31.07 µg/m3
and 87.77±30.77 µg/m3
respectively.
The mean ± SD of the Interleukin-6 for the exposed group was slightly higher than the unexposed
group with the mean ± SD of 6.34±1.95 pg/ml and 5.77±1.08 pg/ml respectively. The most common
symptoms reported was sneezing and sore throat. There was no significant correlation between
PM10 concentration and IL-6 in this study.
Conclusion: The findings exhibit that there was no association between Interleukin-6 and PM10
concentration of the respondent. However, there are likely potential adverse health impacts arising
from particulates exposure among exposed children in this study. Respondents are advised to have
a medical check-up in order to determine respiratory health status thus elimination the risks of
acquiring respiratory inflammation.