Effects of Vehicle Exhaust on Childrenʼs Neurobehavioral Functions Scored by Computerized Neurobehavioral Evaluation System

Abstract

PP-31-062 Background/Aims: Effects of vehicle exhaust on children's neurobehavioral functions scored by Computerized Neurobehavioral Evaluation System. Methods: Three schools in Beijing which located in the areas with different levels of traffic pollution were chosen based on the counts of passed by automobiles and the monitoring data of ambient air pollution. The order of traffic pollution levels at school campus were A1 < A2 < A3. Neurobehavioral functions of children in grade 3 were measured through Computerized Neurobehavioral Evaluation System, which involved following test items: Visual Retention Test (VRT), Visual Simple Reaction time (include VSRT-Prh and VSRT-Nprh), Line Discrimination (LDT), Continuous Performance (CPT). Neurobehavioral ability indexes (NAI) were calculated by recommended equation. Results: Children's NAI of VRT were 0.74 ± 0.15 in School A1, 0.67 ± 0.20 in School A2, 0.70 ± 0.17 in School A3, respectively. ANOVA indicated significant differences among 3 schools (F = 4.158, P = 0.017). NAI of VSRT-Prh were 15.63 ± 6.81 in School A1, 14.50 ± 7.53 in School A2, 13.66 ± 6.67 in School A3, but no significant differences existed. NAI of VSRT-Nprh were 14.44 ± 8.13 in School A1, 14.21 ± 7.42 in School A2, 13.96 ± 7.15 in School A3, and no significant differences existed. NAI of LDT were 0.26 ± 0.10 in School A1, 0.30 ± 0.12 in School A2, and 0.30 ± 0.09 in School A3. ANOVA indicated significant differences among 3 schools (F = 3.577, P = 0.033). NAI of CPT were similar among 3 schools. Multiple regression showed that compared with School A1 children, School A2 had lower NAI in VRT, VSRT-Prh, and VSRT-Nprh, but higher NAI in LDT and CPT; and children in School A3 had significantly lower NAI in VRT and VSRT-Prh (P = 0.062 and 0.047) and significantly higher NAI of LDT (P = 0.026). There were no significant differences on NAI of VSRT-Nprh between School A1 and School A3. Conclusion: The study showed that there were correlative relationship between vehicle exhaust exposure and children's NAI of Computerized Neurobehavioral Evaluation System.