RETRACTED ARTICLE: Lichens reveal the quality of indoor air in Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract Background Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a concern in kindergartens as children spend much of their time there. Yet, there shortage biological indicators needed for assessing IAQ. Thus, this study evaluated IAQ using transplanted lichen Usnea misaminensis indicator. Methods Lichen samples, collected from Bukit Larut, Perak, Malaysia, were exposed to indoor and outdoor environments an urban area (Ummi Aiman Kindergarten) rural Qaseh Pelangi 2 months during August 15 October 14, 2019. The concentrations 12 selected elements the vitality lichens then evaluated. Results Increased eleven twelve deposited samples both areas observed. For areas, element environment was lower than those environment, area, suggesting impacts traffic emissions. showed no significant change compared that indicating even remained effective same they environment. Conclusions Lichens are environments. Furthermore, emissions could influence IAQ, which be problematic densely populated such kindergartens. Mitigation measures should taken.