KUALA LUMPUR: Those spending long hours in vehicles every day face health-related risks, even the possibility of premature deaths, from exposure to outdoor air pollutants.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia public health medical expert Professor Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said one could be exposed to outdoor air pollution, which the World Health Organisation described as a major environmental risk linked to 3.7 million premature deaths in 2021, due to the spread of particulate matter from idle vehicles and engine revving.
Prolonged sitting in vehicles also leads to repetitive stress, impaired back and neck, knee and hip pain and increased risk of leg edema due to reduced blood circulation and deep vein thrombosis.
Chronic lung diseases, elevated blood pressure, stroke and asthma are also among the long-lasting health effects associated with traffic-induced air pollution.
Beyond air pollution, long-term exposure to traffic-related factors can worsen heart-related diseases, increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes and affect respiratory health.
Dr Rama Krishna Supramanian, a specialist in occupational and public health medicine at Universiti Malaya, said there was no clear recommendation regarding the optimum distance or duration of travel.
However, he said a Swedish study had reported that individuals who travel for more than five hours per week face a higher risk of physical inactivity and sleep problems.
Long commutes, which were associated with higher stress levels, could lead to various health issues including cardiovascular problems, he added.
Dr Rama said commuting for extended periods can also lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
"The stress and frustration associated with commuting, especially in heavy traffic or crowded public transport, can take a toll on one's mental wellbeing.
"Long commutes eat into valuable leisure time, leaving individuals with less time for activities that promote relaxation, socialisation and overall wellbeing. This can negatively impact work-life balance.
"It also affects time spent on exercise, resulting in an increased risk for non-communicable diseases as well as obesity," he said.
Dr Rama said long commutes also cause fatigue, which would reduce one's cognitive function and work productivity.