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Musonye HA, He YS, Bekele MB, Jiang LQ, Fan Cao, Xu YQ, Gao ZX, Ge M, He T, Zhang P, Zhao CN, Chen C, Wang P, Pan HF. Exploring the association between ambient air pollution and COVID-19 risk: A comprehensive meta-analysis with meta-regression modelling. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32385. [PMID: 39183866 PMCID: PMC11341291 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Air pollution is speculated to increase the risk of Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Nevertheless, the results remain inconsistent and inconclusive. This study aimed to explore the association between ambient air pollution (AAP) and COVID-19 risks using a meta-analysis with meta-regression modelling. Methods The inclusion criteria were: original studies quantifying the association using effect sizes and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs); time-series, cohort, ecological or case-crossover peer-reviewed studies in English. Exclusion criteria encompassed non-original studies, animal studies, and data with common errors. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Google Scholar electronic databases were systemically searched for eligible literature, up to 31, March 2023. The risk of bias (ROB) was assessed following the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality parameters. A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled risk ratios (RRs) and their 95 % CIs. Results A total of 58 studies, between 2020 and 2023, met the inclusion criteria. The global representation was skewed, with major contributions from the USA (24.1 %) and China (22.4 %). The distribution included studies on short-term (43.1 %) and long-term (56.9 %) air pollution exposure. Ecological studies constituted 51.7 %, time-series-27.6 %, cohorts-17.2 %, and case crossover-3.4 %. ROB assessment showed low (86.2 %) and moderate (13.8 %) risk. The COVID-19 incidences increased with a 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 [RR = 4.9045; 95 % CI (4.1548-5.7895)], PM10 [RR = 2.9427: (2.2290-3.8850)], NO2 [RR = 3.2750: (3.1420-3.4136)], SO2 [RR = 3.3400: (2.7931-3.9940)], CO [RR = 2.6244: (2.5208-2.7322)] and O3 [RR = 2.4008: (2.1859-2.6368)] concentrations. A 10 μg/m3 increase in concentrations of PM2.5 [RR = 3.0418: (2.7344-3.3838)], PM10 [RR = 2.6202: (2.1602-3.1781)], NO2 [RR = 3.2226: (2.1411-4.8504)], CO [RR = 1.8021 (0.8045-4.0370)] and O3 [RR = 2.3270 (1.5906-3.4045)] was significantly associated with COVID-19 mortality. Stratified analysis showed that study design, exposure period, and country influenced exposure-response associations. Meta-regression model indicated significant predictors for air pollution-COVID-19 incidence associations. Conclusion The study, while robust, lacks causality demonstration and focuses only on the USA and China, limiting its generalizability. Regardless, the study provides a strong evidence base for air pollution-COVID-19-risks associations, offering valuable insights for intervention measures for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Asena Musonye
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Institute of Kidney Disease, Inflammation & Immunity Mediated Diseases, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yi-Sheng He
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Institute of Kidney Disease, Inflammation & Immunity Mediated Diseases, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Merga Bayou Bekele
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Institute of Kidney Disease, Inflammation & Immunity Mediated Diseases, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Ling-Qiong Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Institute of Kidney Disease, Inflammation & Immunity Mediated Diseases, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Fan Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yi-Qing Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Institute of Kidney Disease, Inflammation & Immunity Mediated Diseases, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Zhao-Xing Gao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Institute of Kidney Disease, Inflammation & Immunity Mediated Diseases, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Man Ge
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Institute of Kidney Disease, Inflammation & Immunity Mediated Diseases, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Tian He
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Institute of Kidney Disease, Inflammation & Immunity Mediated Diseases, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Institute of Kidney Disease, Inflammation & Immunity Mediated Diseases, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Chan-Na Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Institute of Kidney Disease, Inflammation & Immunity Mediated Diseases, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Cong Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Institute of Kidney Disease, Inflammation & Immunity Mediated Diseases, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Teaching Center for Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hai-Feng Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Institute of Kidney Disease, Inflammation & Immunity Mediated Diseases, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
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Simões M, Zorn J, Hogerwerf L, Velders GJM, Portengen L, Gerlofs-Nijland M, Dijkema M, Strak M, Jacobs J, Wesseling J, de Vries WJ, Mijnen-Visser S, Smit LAM, Vermeulen R, Mughini-Gras L. Outdoor air pollution as a risk factor for testing positive for SARS-CoV-2: A nationwide test-negative case-control study in the Netherlands. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2024; 259:114382. [PMID: 38652943 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Air pollution is a known risk factor for several diseases, but the extent to which it influences COVID-19 compared to other respiratory diseases remains unclear. We performed a test-negative case-control study among people with COVID-19-compatible symptoms who were tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection, to assess whether their long- and short-term exposure to ambient air pollution (AAP) was associated with testing positive (vs. negative) for SARS-CoV-2. We used individual-level data for all adult residents in the Netherlands who were tested for SARS-CoV-2 between June and November 2020, when only symptomatic people were tested, and modeled ambient concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, NO2 and O3 at geocoded residential addresses. In long-term exposure analysis, we selected individuals who did not change residential address in 2017-2019 (1.7 million tests) and considered the average concentrations of PM10, PM2.5 and NO2 in that period, and different sources of PM (industry, livestock, other agricultural activities, road traffic, other Dutch sources, foreign sources). In short-term exposure analysis, individuals not changing residential address in the two weeks before testing day (2.7 million tests) were included in the analyses, thus considering 1- and 2-week average concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, NO2 and O3 before testing day as exposure. Mixed-effects logistic regression analysis with adjustment for several confounders, including municipality and testing week to account for spatiotemporal variation in viral circulation, was used. Overall, there was no statistically significant effect of long-term exposure to the studied pollutants on the odds of testing positive vs. negative for SARS-CoV-2. However, significant positive associations of long-term exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 from specifically foreign and livestock sources, and to PM10 from other agricultural sources, were observed. Short-term exposure to PM10 (adjusting for NO2) and PM2.5 were also positively associated with increased odds of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. While these exposures seemed to increase COVID-19 risk relative to other respiratory diseases, the underlying biological mechanisms remain unclear. This study reinforces the need to continue to strive for better air quality to support public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Simões
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jelle Zorn
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Lenny Hogerwerf
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Guus J M Velders
- Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Center for Environmental Quality (MIL), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Lützen Portengen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Miriam Gerlofs-Nijland
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Center for Sustainability, Environment and Health (DMG), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke Dijkema
- Municipal Health Services, Provinces of Overijssel and Gelderland, the Netherlands
| | - Maciek Strak
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Center for Sustainability, Environment and Health (DMG), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - José Jacobs
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Center for Sustainability, Environment and Health (DMG), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Joost Wesseling
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Center for Environmental Quality (MIL), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Wilco J de Vries
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Center for Environmental Quality (MIL), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Suzanne Mijnen-Visser
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Center for Environmental Quality (MIL), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Lidwien A M Smit
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lapo Mughini-Gras
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.
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Haryanto B, Trihandini I, Nugraha F, Kurniasari F. Indirect Effects of PM 2.5 Exposure on COVID-19 Mortality in Greater Jakarta, Indonesia: An Ecological Study. Ann Glob Health 2024; 90:34. [PMID: 38827538 PMCID: PMC11141510 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Air pollution, including PM2.5, was suggested as one of the primary contributors to COVID-19 fatalities worldwide. Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, was recognized as one of the ten most polluted cities globally. Additionally, the incidence of COVID-19 in Jakarta surpasses that of all other provinces in Indonesia. However, no study has investigated the correlation between PM2.5 concentration and COVID-19 fatality in Jakarta. Objective To investigate the correlation between short-term and long-term exposure to PM2.5 and COVID-19 mortality in Greater Jakarta area. Methods An ecological time-trend study was implemented. The data of PM2.5 ambient concentration obtained from Nafas Indonesia and the National Institute for Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN)/National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). The daily COVID-19 death data obtained from the City's Health Office. Findings Our study unveiled an intriguing pattern: while short-term exposure to PM2.5 showed a negative correlation with COVID-19 mortality, suggesting it might not be the sole factor in causing fatalities, long-term exposure demonstrated a positive correlation. This suggests that COVID-19 mortality is more strongly influenced by prolonged PM2.5 exposure rather than short-term exposure alone. Specifically, our regression analysis estimate that a 50 µg/m3 increase in long-term average PM2.5 could lead to an 11.9% rise in the COVID-19 mortality rate. Conclusion Our research, conducted in one of the most polluted areas worldwide, offers compelling evidence regarding the influence of PM2.5 exposure on COVID-19 mortality rates. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing air pollution as a critical risk factor for the severity of viral respiratory infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Budi Haryanto
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, ID
- Research Center for Climate Change, I-SER, Universitas Indonesia, ID
| | - Indang Trihandini
- Department of Biostatistics and Population Studies, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, ID
| | - Fajar Nugraha
- Department of Biostatistics and Population Studies, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, ID
| | - Fitri Kurniasari
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, ID
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Huang J, Wang D, Zhu Y, Yang Z, Yao M, Shi X, An T, Zhang Q, Huang C, Bi X, Li J, Wang Z, Liu Y, Zhu G, Chen S, Hang J, Qiu X, Deng W, Tian H, Zhang T, Chen T, Liu S, Lian X, Chen B, Zhang B, Zhao Y, Wang R, Li H. An overview for monitoring and prediction of pathogenic microorganisms in the atmosphere. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 4:430-441. [PMID: 38933199 PMCID: PMC11197502 DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2023.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has exerted a profound adverse impact on human health. Studies have demonstrated that aerosol transmission is one of the major transmission routes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Pathogenic microorganisms such as SARS-CoV-2 can survive in the air and cause widespread infection among people. Early monitoring of pathogenic microorganism transmission in the atmosphere and accurate epidemic prediction are the frontier guarantee for preventing large-scale epidemic outbreaks. Monitoring of pathogenic microorganisms in the air, especially in densely populated areas, may raise the possibility to detect viruses before people are widely infected and contain the epidemic at an earlier stage. The multi-scale coupled accurate epidemic prediction system can provide support for governments to analyze the epidemic situation, allocate health resources, and formulate epidemic response policies. This review first elaborates on the effects of the atmospheric environment on pathogenic microorganism transmission, which lays a theoretical foundation for the monitoring and prediction of epidemic development. Secondly, the monitoring technique development and the necessity of monitoring pathogenic microorganisms in the atmosphere are summarized and emphasized. Subsequently, this review introduces the major epidemic prediction methods and highlights the significance to realize a multi-scale coupled epidemic prediction system by strengthening the multidisciplinary cooperation of epidemiology, atmospheric sciences, environmental sciences, sociology, demography, etc. By summarizing the achievements and challenges in monitoring and prediction of pathogenic microorganism transmission in the atmosphere, this review proposes suggestions for epidemic response, namely, the establishment of an integrated monitoring and prediction platform for pathogenic microorganism transmission in the atmosphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Huang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Western Ecological Safety, College of Atmospheric Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
- College of Atmospheric Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Danfeng Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Western Ecological Safety, College of Atmospheric Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yongguan Zhu
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Zifeng Yang
- National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease (Guangzhou Medical University), Guangzhou 510230, China
| | - Maosheng Yao
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xiaoming Shi
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Taicheng An
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Earth System Modeling, Department of Earth System Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Cunrui Huang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xinhui Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Jiang Li
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Zifa Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Boundary Layer Physics and Atmospheric Chemistry, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yongqin Liu
- Center for Pan-third Pole Environment, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Guibing Zhu
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Siyu Chen
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Western Ecological Safety, College of Atmospheric Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
- College of Atmospheric Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jian Hang
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 510640, China
| | - Xinghua Qiu
- State Key Joint Laboratory for Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, and Center for Environment and Health, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Weiwei Deng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Soft Mechanics & Smart Manufacturing and Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Huaiyu Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, College of Global Change and Earth System Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Tengfei Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Tianmu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Sijin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Xinbo Lian
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Western Ecological Safety, College of Atmospheric Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
- College of Atmospheric Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Bin Chen
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Western Ecological Safety, College of Atmospheric Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
- College of Atmospheric Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Beidou Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Western Ecological Safety, College of Atmospheric Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
- College of Atmospheric Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yingjie Zhao
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Western Ecological Safety, College of Atmospheric Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
- College of Atmospheric Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Western Ecological Safety, College of Atmospheric Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
- College of Atmospheric Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Han Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Western Ecological Safety, College of Atmospheric Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
- College of Atmospheric Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
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Saha S, Das P, Das T, Das P, Roy TB. A study about the impact of indoor air pollution on cognitive function among middle-aged and older adult people in India. Arch Public Health 2024; 82:57. [PMID: 38664719 PMCID: PMC11044570 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-024-01286-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the 21st century, people still use solid fuel for cooking at home, resulting in poor indoor air quality. Prolonged exposure to such conditions may negatively affect one's cognitive function. So, the present study examines the possible association between IAP and the cognitive function of individuals aged 45 years or above in India. METHODS The study utilizes secondary data, procured from the longitudinal ageing study in India (2017-18). Treatment effects through regression-adjusted models were applied to represent the association between IAP and cognitive health and the results are represented by beta coefficient (β). Three separate models with a 95% confidence interval adjusting with the other factors like housing environment, individual and behavioural were framed. RESULTS The study revealed that households without a separate kitchen (β = -0.64; 95%CI: -0.90 to -0.39) and electricity (β = -0.97; 95%CI: -1.34 to -0.61) significantly affect cognitive strength. Cognitive decline is likely more pronounced among older adults (β = -1.19; 95%CI: -1.42 to -0.96) than the middle-aged population. Moreover, the cognitive ability of rural residents (β = -1.11; 95%CI: -1.49 to -0.73) and women (β = -2.05; 95%CI: -2.29 to -1.81) is negatively associated with IAP exposure. Older adults with no reading habits (β = -6.28; 95%CI: -6.72; to -5.85) and physical inactivity (β = -0.96; 95%CI: -1.22 to -0.70) had a sign of notable decline in cognitive ability. CONCLUSIONS Findings revealed that cognitive function is negatively associated with IAP, demanding a deep intervention plan to minimize the detrimental effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhadeep Saha
- Department of Geography, Raiganj University, Uttar Dinajpur, Raiganj, West Bengal, 733134, India
| | - Priya Das
- Department of Geography, University of Gour Banga, Malda, West Bengal, 732101, India
| | - Tanu Das
- Department of Geography, Raiganj University, Uttar Dinajpur, Raiganj, West Bengal, 733134, India
| | - Partha Das
- Department of Geography, Raiganj University, Uttar Dinajpur, Raiganj, West Bengal, 733134, India
| | - Tamal Basu Roy
- Department of Geography, Raiganj University, Uttar Dinajpur, Raiganj, West Bengal, 733134, India.
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Melzi G, Massimi L, Frezzini MA, Iulini M, Tarallo N, Rinaldi M, Paglione M, Nozza E, Crova F, Valentini S, Valli G, Costabile F, Canepari S, Decesari S, Vecchi R, Marinovich M, Corsini E. Redox-activity and in vitro effects of regional atmospheric aerosol pollution: Seasonal differences and correlation between oxidative potential and in vitro toxicity of PM 1. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 485:116913. [PMID: 38522584 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.116913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Particulate Matter (PM) is a complex and heterogeneous mixture of atmospheric particles recognized as a threat to human health. Oxidative Potential (OP) measurement is a promising and integrative method for estimating PM-induced health impacts since it is recognized as more closely associated with adverse health effects than ordinarily used PM mass concentrations. OP measurements could be introduced in the air quality monitoring, along with the parameters currently evaluated. PM deposition in the lungs induces oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage. The study aimed to compare the OP measurements with toxicological effects on BEAS-2B and THP-1 cells of winter and summer PM1 collected in the Po Valley (Italy) during 2021. PM1 was extracted in deionized water by mechanical agitation and tested for OP and, in parallel, used to treat cells. Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses were assessed by MTT test, DCFH-DA assay, micronucleus, γ-H2AX, comet assay modified with endonucleases, ELISA, and Real-Time PCR. The evaluation of OP was performed by applying three different assays: dithiothreitol (OPDTT), ascorbic acid (OPAA), and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein (OPDCFH), in addition, the reducing potential was also analysed (RPDPPH). Seasonal differences were detected in all the parameters investigated. The amount of DNA damage detected with the Comet assay and ROS formation highlights the presence of oxidative damage both in winter and in summer samples, while DNA damage (micronucleus) and genes regulation were mainly detected in winter samples. A positive correlation with OPDCFH (Spearman's analysis, p < 0.05) was detected for IL-8 secretion and γ-H2AX. These results provide a biological support to the implementation in air quality monitoring of OP measurements as a useful proxy to estimate PM-induced cellular toxicological responses. In addition, these results provide new insights for the assessment of the ability of secondary aerosol in the background atmosphere to induce oxidative stress and health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Melzi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Science (DiSFeB) "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Massimi
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, National Research Council, Via Salaria, Km 29,300, Monterotondo St., 00015 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Agostina Frezzini
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; ARPA Lazio, Regional Environmental Protection Agency, Via Boncompagni 101, 00187 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Iulini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Science (DiSFeB) "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Naima Tarallo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Science (DiSFeB) "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Rinaldi
- Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, National Research Council, 40129 Bologna, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center, NBFC, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Marco Paglione
- Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, National Research Council, 40129 Bologna, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center, NBFC, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Emma Nozza
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Science (DiSFeB) "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy; Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Vanvitelli 32, 20129 Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via della Commenda 19, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Crova
- Department of Physics, Università degli Studi di Milano & INFN-Milano, Via Celoria 16, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Valentini
- Department of Physics, Università degli Studi di Milano & INFN-Milano, Via Celoria 16, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Valli
- Department of Physics, Università degli Studi di Milano & INFN-Milano, Via Celoria 16, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Costabile
- National Biodiversity Future Center, NBFC, 90133 Palermo, Italy; Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, National Research Council, Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Canepari
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, National Research Council, Via Salaria, Km 29,300, Monterotondo St., 00015 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Decesari
- Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, National Research Council, 40129 Bologna, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center, NBFC, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Roberta Vecchi
- Department of Physics, Università degli Studi di Milano & INFN-Milano, Via Celoria 16, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Marinovich
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Science (DiSFeB) "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Corsini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Science (DiSFeB) "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
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7
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Pan H, Jarvis D, Potts J, Casas L, Nowak D, Heinrich J, Aymerich JG, Urrutia I, Martinez-Moratalla J, Gullón JA, Pereira-Vega A, Raherison C, Chanoine S, Demoly P, Leynaert B, Gislason T, Probst N, Abramson MJ, Jõgi R, Norbäck D, Sigsgaard T, Olivieri M, Svanes C, Fuertes E. Gas cooking indoors and respiratory symptoms in the ECRHS cohort. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2024; 256:114310. [PMID: 38183794 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gas cooking is an important source of indoor air pollutants, and there is some limited evidence that it might adversely be associated with respiratory health. Using repeated cross-sectional data from the multi-centre international European Community Respiratory Health Survey, we assessed whether adults using gas cookers have increased risk of respiratory symptoms compared to those using electric cookers and tested whether there was effect modification by a priori selected factors. METHODS Data on respiratory symptoms and gas cooking were collected from participants at 26-55 and 38-67 years (median time between examinations 11.4 years) from interviewer-led questionnaires. Repeated associations between gas cooking (versus electric) and respiratory symptoms were estimated using multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, study arm, smoking status, education level, and included random intercepts for participants within study centres. Analyses were repeated using a 3-level variable for type of cooker and gas source. Effect modification by ventilation habits, cooking duration, sex, age atopy, asthma, and study arm were examined. RESULTS The sample included 4337 adults (43.7% males) from 19 centres in 9 countries. Gas cooking increased the risk of "shortness of breath whilst at rest" (OR = 1.38; 95%CI: 1.06-1.79) and "wheeze with breathlessness" (1.32; 1.00-1.74). For several other symptoms, effect estimates were larger in those who used both gas hobs and ovens, had a bottled gas source and cooked for over 60 min per day. Stratifying results by sex and age found stronger associations in females and younger adults. CONCLUSION This multi-centre international study, using repeat data, suggested using gas cookers in the home was more strongly associated than electric cookers with certain respiratory symptoms in adults. As gas cooking is common, these results may play an important role in population respiratory health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Pan
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Debbie Jarvis
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK; MRC Centre for Environment & Health, London, UK
| | - James Potts
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Lidia Casas
- Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Dennis Nowak
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany; Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich (CPC-M), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Germany
| | - Joachim Heinrich
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany; Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich (CPC-M), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Germany
| | - Judith Garcia Aymerich
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel Urrutia
- Respiratory Department, Galdakao Hospital, OSI Barrualde-Galdakao, Biscay, Spain
| | - Jesus Martinez-Moratalla
- Servicio de Neumología del Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete. (CHUA) Albacete, Spain; Servicio de Salud de Castilla - La Mancha (SESCAM), Spain; Facultad de Medicina de Albacete. Universidad de Castilla - La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Pascal Demoly
- University Hospital of Montpellier, IDESP, Univ Montpellier - Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Bénédicte Leynaert
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Univ. Paris-Sud, Inserm, Center for Epidemiology and Population Health (CESP), Integrative Respiratory Epidemiology Team, 94807, Villejuif, France; Landspitali University Hospital, Department of Sleep, Reykjavik Iceland
| | - Thorarinn Gislason
- University of Iceland, Medical Faculty, Reykjavik, Iceland; Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Michael J Abramson
- School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rain Jõgi
- Lung Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medical Science, University Hospital, Uppsala University, 75237, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Torben Sigsgaard
- Department of Public Health, Environment, Occupation and Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mario Olivieri
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Policlinico "G. Rossi", Verona, Italy; Center for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Cecilie Svanes
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Elaine Fuertes
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK; MRC Centre for Environment & Health, London, UK.
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Zeng Y, Pang K, Cao S, Lin G, Tang J. Causal relationship between particulate matter 2.5 and infectious diseases: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23412. [PMID: 38163134 PMCID: PMC10755308 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Previous observational studies suggested a correlation between particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and infectious diseases, but causality remained uncertain. This study utilized Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate causal relationships between PM2.5 concentrations and various infectious diseases (COVID-19 infection, hospitalized COVID-19, very severe COVID-19, urinary tract infection, bacterial pneumonia, and intestinal infection). Methods Inverse variance weighted (IVW) was the primary method for evaluating causal associations. For significant causal estimates, multiple sensitivity tests were further performed: (i) three additional MR methods (MR-Egger, weighted median, and maximum likelihood method) for supplementing IVW; (ii) Cochrane's Q test for assessing heterogeneity; (iii) MR-Egger intercept test and MR-PRESSO global test for evaluating horizontal pleiotropy; (iv) leave-one-out sensitivity test for determining the stability. Results PM2.5 concentration significantly increased the risk of hospitalized COVID-19 (OR = 1.91, 95 % CI: 1.06-3.45, P = 0.032) and very severe COVID-19 (OR = 3.29, 95 % CI: 1.48-7.35, P = 3.62E-03). However, no causal effect was identified for PM2.5 concentration on other infectious diseases (P > 0.05). Furthermore, various sensitivity tests demonstrated the reliability of significant causal relationships. Conclusions Overall, lifetime elevated PM2.5 concentration increases the risk of hospitalized COVID-19 and very severe COVID-19. Therefore, controlling air pollution may help mitigate COVID-19 progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youjie Zeng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Ke Pang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Si Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Guoxin Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Juan Tang
- Department of Nephrology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Critical Kidney Disease Research Center of Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
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9
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Yu K, Zhang Q, Wei Y, Chen R, Kan H. Global association between air pollution and COVID-19 mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167542. [PMID: 37797765 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic presents unprecedented challenge for global public health systems and exacerbates existing health disparities. Epidemiological evidence suggested a potential linkage between particulate and gaseous pollutants and COVID-19 mortality. We aimed to summarize the overall risk of COVID-19 mortality associated with ambient air pollutants over the short- and long-term. METHODS For the systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched five databases for studies evaluating the risk of COVID-19 mortality from exposure to air pollution. Inclusion of articles was assessed independently on the basis of research topic and availability of effect estimates. The risk estimates (relative risk) for each pollutant were pooled with a random-effect model. Potential heterogeneity was explored by subgroup analysis. Funnel plots and trim-and-fill methods were employed to assess and adjust for publication bias. FINDINGS The systematic review retrieved 2059 records, and finally included 43 original studies. PM2.5 (RR: 1.71, 95 % CI: 1.40-2.08, per 10 μg/m3 increase), NO2 (RR: 1.33, 1.07-1.65, per 10 ppb increase) and O3 (RR: 1.61, 1.00-2.57, per 10 ppb increase) were positively associated with COVID-19 mortality for long-term exposures. Accordingly, a higher risk of COVID-19 mortality was associated with PM2.5 (1.05, 1.02-1.08), PM10 (1.05, 1.01-1.08), and NO2 (1.40, 1.04-1.90) for short-term exposures. There was some heterogeneity across subgroups of income level and geographical areas. CONCLUSION Both long-term and short-term exposures to ambient air pollution may increase the risk of COVID-19 mortality. Future studies utilizing individual-level information on demographics, exposures, outcome ascertainment and confounders are warranted to improve the accuracy of estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Yu
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education and NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingli Zhang
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education and NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhao Wei
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education and NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Renjie Chen
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education and NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Haidong Kan
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education and NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Center for Children's Health, Shanghai, China.
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10
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Nakhjirgan P, Kashani H, Kermani M. Exposure to outdoor particulate matter and risk of respiratory diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 46:20. [PMID: 38153542 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01807-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
According to epidemiological studies, particulate matter (PM) is an important air pollutant that poses a significant threat to human health. The relationship between particulate matter and respiratory diseases has been the subject of numerous studies, but these studies have produced inconsistent findings. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the connection between outdoor particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) exposure and respiratory disorders (COPD, lung cancer, LRIs, and COVID-19). For this purpose, we conducted a literature search between 2012 and 2022 in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Out of the 58 studies that were part of the systematic review, meta-analyses were conducted on 53 of them. A random effect model was applied separately for each category of study design to assess the pooled association between exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 and respiratory diseases. Based on time-series and cohort studies, which are the priorities of the strength of evidence, a significant relationship between the risk of respiratory diseases (COPD, lung cancer, and COVID-19) was observed (COPD: pooled HR = 1.032, 95% CI: 1.004-1.061; lung cancer: pooled HR = 1.017, 95% CI: 1.015-1.020; and COVID-19: pooled RR = 1.004, 95% CI: 1.002-1.006 per 1 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5). Also, a significant relationship was observed between PM10 and respiratory diseases (COPD, LRIs, and COVID-19) based on time-series and cohort studies. Although the number of studies in this field is limited, which requires more investigations, it can be concluded that outdoor particulate matter can increase the risk of respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pegah Nakhjirgan
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Homa Kashani
- Department of Research Methodology and Data Analysis, Institute for Environmental Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Kermani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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11
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Saleh SAK, Adly HM. Impact of Ambient Air Pollution Exposure on Long COVID-19 Symptoms: A Cohort Study within the Saudi Arabian Population. Infect Dis Rep 2023; 15:642-661. [PMID: 37888141 PMCID: PMC10606867 DOI: 10.3390/idr15050060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests that air pollution, specifically the particulate matters PM2.5 and PM10, plays a key role in exacerbating the risk of prolonged symptoms following COVID-19 infection. AIM This study endeavors to elucidate the potential interaction between chronic air pollution exposure and the manifestation of long COVID symptoms within a cohort based in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. METHODS Participants included residents from the Makkah region who had recovered from COVID-19 between 2022 and 2023. A comprehensive questionnaire was utilized to gather detailed demographic data and assess the persistent symptoms seen during the post-COVID period. To gauge the environmental exposure to potential risk factors, air sampling for PM10 and PM2.5 was systematically conducted in various locations in Makkah over a year. RESULTS Significant positive associations were found between PM2.5 and PM10 exposure and long COVID. Furthermore, specific symptom analysis revealed a significant association between air pollution and shortness of breath (for PM2.5). Only PM2.5 exposure remained statistically significant (RR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.67). In contrast, the association with PM10 remained on the cusp of significance, with an RR of 1.27 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.61). CONCLUSION This study highlights the importance of reducing air pollution levels to mitigate the long-term health consequences of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh A. K. Saleh
- Biochemistry Department, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia;
- Oncology Diagnostic Unit, College of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11435, Egypt
| | - Heba M. Adly
- Community Medicine and Pilgrims Healthcare Department, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
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12
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Boopathi V, Nahar J, Murugesan M, Subramaniyam S, Kong BM, Choi SK, Lee CS, Ling L, Yang DU, Yang DC, Mathiyalagan R, Chan Kang S. In silico and in vitro inhibition of host-based viral entry targets and cytokine storm in COVID-19 by ginsenoside compound K. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19341. [PMID: 37809955 PMCID: PMC10558348 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus that emerged as an epidemic, causing a respiratory disease with multiple severe symptoms and deadly consequences. ACE-2 and TMPRSS2 play crucial and synergistic roles in the membrane fusion and viral entry of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). The spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 binds to the ACE-2 receptor for viral entry, while TMPRSS2 proteolytically cleaves the S protein into S1 and S2 subunits, promoting membrane fusion. Therefore, ACE-2 and TMPRSS2 are potential drug targets for treating COVID-19, and their inhibition is a promising strategy for treatment and prevention. This study proposes that ginsenoside compound K (G-CK), a triterpenoid saponin abundant in Panax Ginseng, a dietary and medicinal herb highly consumed in Korea and China, effectively binds to and inhibits ACE-2 and TMPRSS2 expression. We initially conducted an in-silico evaluation where G-CK showed a high affinity for the binding sites of the two target proteins of SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, we evaluated the stability of G-CK using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for 100 ns, followed by MM-PBSA calculations. The MD simulations and free energy calculations revealed that G-CK has stable and favorable energies, leading to strong binding with the targets. Furthermore, G-CK suppressed ACE2 and TMPRSS2 mRNA expression in A549, Caco-2, and MCF7 cells at a concentration of 12.5 μg/mL and in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells at a concentration of 6.5 μg/mL, without significant cytotoxicity.ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression were significantly lower in A549 and RAW 264.7 cells following G-CK treatment. These findings suggest that G-CK may evolve as a promising therapeutic against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinothini Boopathi
- Graduate School of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, South Korea
| | - Jinnatun Nahar
- Graduate School of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, South Korea
| | - Mohanapriya Murugesan
- Graduate School of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, South Korea
| | | | - Byoung Man Kong
- Department of Oriental Medicinal Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, South Korea
| | - Sung-Keun Choi
- Daedong Korea Ginseng Co., Ltd, 86, Gunbuk-ro, Gunbuk-myeon, Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do 32718 Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Soon Lee
- Daedong Korea Ginseng Co., Ltd, 86, Gunbuk-ro, Gunbuk-myeon, Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do 32718 Republic of Korea
| | - Li Ling
- Department of Oriental Medicinal Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, South Korea
| | - Dong Uk Yang
- Graduate School of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, South Korea
| | - Deok Chun Yang
- Graduate School of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, South Korea
- Department of Oriental Medicinal Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, South Korea
| | - Ramya Mathiyalagan
- Graduate School of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, South Korea
| | - Se Chan Kang
- Graduate School of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, South Korea
- Department of Oriental Medicinal Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, South Korea
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13
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Vos S, De Waele E, Goeminne P, Bijnens EM, Bongaerts E, Martens DS, Malina R, Ameloot M, Dams K, De Weerdt A, Dewyspelaere G, Jacobs R, Mistiaen G, Jorens P, Nawrot TS. Pre-admission ambient air pollution and blood soot particles predict hospitalisation outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Eur Respir J 2023; 62:2300309. [PMID: 37343978 PMCID: PMC10288811 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00309-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution exposure is one of the major risk factors for aggravation of respiratory diseases. We investigated whether exposure to air pollution and accumulated black carbon (BC) particles in blood were associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease severity, including the risk for intensive care unit (ICU) admission and duration of hospitalisation. METHODS From May 2020 until March 2021, 328 hospitalised COVID-19 patients (29% at intensive care) were recruited from two hospitals in Belgium. Daily exposure levels (from 2016 to 2019) for particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <2.5 µm and <10 µm (PM2.5 and PM10, respectively), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and BC were modelled using a high-resolution spatiotemporal model. Blood BC particles (internal exposure to nano-sized particles) were quantified using pulsed laser illumination. Primary clinical parameters and outcomes included duration of hospitalisation and risk of ICU admission. RESULTS Independent of potential confounders, an interquartile range (IQR) increase in exposure in the week before admission was associated with increased duration of hospitalisation (PM2.5 +4.13 (95% CI 0.74-7.53) days, PM10 +4.04 (95% CI 1.24-6.83) days and NO2 +4.54 (95% CI 1.53-7.54) days); similar effects were observed for long-term NO2 and BC exposure on hospitalisation duration. These effect sizes for an IQR increase in air pollution on hospitalisation duration were equivalent to the effect of a 10-year increase in age on hospitalisation duration. Furthermore, for an IQR higher blood BC load, the OR for ICU admission was 1.33 (95% CI 1.07-1.65). CONCLUSIONS In hospitalised COVID-19 patients, higher pre-admission ambient air pollution and blood BC levels predicted adverse outcomes. Our findings imply that air pollution exposure influences COVID-19 severity and therefore the burden on medical care systems during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stijn Vos
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- S. Vos and E. De Waele contributed equally
| | - Elien De Waele
- Hospital VITAZ Sint-Niklaas, Sint-Niklaas, Belgium
- S. Vos and E. De Waele contributed equally
| | | | - Esmée M Bijnens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Open University, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Eva Bongaerts
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Dries S Martens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Robert Malina
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Marcel Ameloot
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Karolien Dams
- Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp (LEMP), Edegem, Belgium
| | - Annick De Weerdt
- Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp (LEMP), Edegem, Belgium
| | | | - Rita Jacobs
- Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp (LEMP), Edegem, Belgium
| | | | - Philippe Jorens
- Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp (LEMP), Edegem, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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14
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Ji H, Brown AP, Henson SN, Haczku A. The "epiTet" of Air Pollution: Epigenetic Regulation of Airway Inflammation by Tet1. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2023; 184:949-952. [PMID: 37276849 PMCID: PMC10530385 DOI: 10.1159/000530272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Ji
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Anthony P Brown
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Stephanie N Henson
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Angela Haczku
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Lung Center, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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15
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The impact of COVID-19 on visitors' wayfinding within healthcare centers. AIN SHAMS ENGINEERING JOURNAL 2023; 14. [PMCID: PMC9448710 DOI: 10.1016/j.asej.2022.101957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The novel COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantial calamities in developing countries such as Iran, which initially suffered from inadequate infrastructure essential for the pandemic control. Due to the ongoing development of this malady, healthcare centers are recognized as one of the most significant hotspots within public settings so they are directly pertinent to the physical and mental health of visitors. The main objective for conducting the present study is to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the visitors' wayfinding procedure within Qa'em hospital, located in Rasht, northern Iran. The adopted methodology in the present study is based on a comparison between the collected data regarding the wayfinding behavior of visitors before and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic using mixed methods, namely Space Syntax, gate counting, people following, and semi-structured interviews. The obtained empirical results displayed that visitors were significantly confused and hesitant throughout their wayfinding process after the outbreak of the pandemic. Indeed, spatial accessibility and legibility were not found to be adequate for facilitating the wayfinding of the visitors. Moreover, the requirements for the reconfiguration of furniture layout in the waiting areas, according to the underlying notions of social distancing, became conspicuous as the pragmatic implications for the post-pandemic healthcare centers.
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16
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Stafoggia M, Ranzi A, Ancona C, Bauleo L, Bella A, Cattani G, Nobile F, Pezzotti P, Iavarone I. Long-Term Exposure to Ambient Air Pollution and Mortality among Four Million COVID-19 Cases in Italy: The EpiCovAir Study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:57004. [PMID: 37167483 PMCID: PMC10174641 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of chronic exposure to ambient air pollutants in increasing COVID-19 fatality is still unclear. OBJECTIVES The study aimed to investigate the association between long-term exposure to air pollutants and mortality among 4 million COVID-19 cases in Italy. METHODS We obtained individual records of all COVID-19 cases identified in Italy from February 2020 to June 2021. We assigned 2016-2019 mean concentrations of particulate matter (PM) with aerodynamic diameter ≤10μm (PM10), PM with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5μm (PM2.5), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) to each municipality (n=7,800) as estimates of chronic exposures. We applied a principal component analysis (PCA) and a generalized propensity score (GPS) approach to an extensive list of area-level covariates to account for major determinants of the spatial distribution of COVID-19 case-fatality rates. Then, we applied generalized negative binomial models matched on GPS, age, sex, province, and month. As additional analyses, we fit separate models by pandemic periods, age, and sex; we quantified the numbers of COVID-19 deaths attributable to exceedances in annual air pollutant concentrations above predefined thresholds; and we explored associations between air pollution and alternative outcomes of COVID-19 severity, namely hospitalizations or accesses to intensive care units. RESULTS We analyzed 3,995,202 COVID-19 cases, which generated 124,346 deaths. Overall, case-fatality rates increased by 0.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.5%, 0.9%], 0.3% (95% CI: 0.2%, 0.5%), and 0.6% (95% CI: 0.5%, 0.8%) per 1 μg/m3 increment in PM2.5, PM10, and NO2, respectively. Associations were higher among elderly subjects and during the first (February 2020-June 2020) and the third (December 2020-June 2021) pandemic waves. We estimated ∼8% COVID-19 deaths were attributable to pollutant levels above the World Health Organization 2021 air quality guidelines. DISCUSSION We found suggestive evidence of an association between long-term exposure to ambient air pollutants with mortality among 4 million COVID-19 cases in Italy. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11882.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Stafoggia
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Region Health Service/ASL Roma 1, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Ranzi
- Environmental Health Reference Centre, Regional Agency for Environmental Prevention of Emilia-Romagna, Modena, Italy
| | - Carla Ancona
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Region Health Service/ASL Roma 1, Rome, Italy
| | - Lisa Bauleo
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Region Health Service/ASL Roma 1, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giorgio Cattani
- Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Nobile
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Region Health Service/ASL Roma 1, Rome, Italy
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17
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Monoson A, Schott E, Ard K, Kilburg-Basnyat B, Tighe RM, Pannu S, Gowdy KM. Air pollution and respiratory infections: the past, present, and future. Toxicol Sci 2023; 192:3-14. [PMID: 36622042 PMCID: PMC10025881 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Air pollution levels across the globe continue to rise despite government regulations. The increase in global air pollution levels drives detrimental human health effects, including 7 million premature deaths every year. Many of these deaths are attributable to increased incidence of respiratory infections. Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, an unprecedented public health crisis that has claimed the lives of over 6.5 million people globally, respiratory infections as a driver of human mortality is a pressing concern. Therefore, it is more important than ever to understand the relationship between air pollution and respiratory infections so that public health measures can be implemented to ameliorate further morbidity and mortality. This article aims to review the current epidemiologic and basic science research on interactions between air pollution exposure and respiratory infections. The first section will present epidemiologic studies organized by pathogen, followed by a review of basic science research investigating the mechanisms of infection, and then conclude with a discussion of areas that require future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexys Monoson
- Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Evangeline Schott
- Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Kerry Ard
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Brita Kilburg-Basnyat
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27834, USA
| | - Robert M Tighe
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Sonal Pannu
- Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Kymberly M Gowdy
- Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
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18
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Collivignarelli MC, Bellazzi S, Caccamo FM, Carnevale Miino M. Discussion about the Latest Findings on the Possible Relation between Air Particulate Matter and COVID-19. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20065132. [PMID: 36982044 PMCID: PMC10049697 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20065132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Since SARS-CoV-2 was identified, the scientific community has tried to understand the variables that can influence its spread. Several studies have already highlighted a possible link between particulate matter (PM) and COVID-19. This work is a brief discussion about the latest findings on this topic, highlighting the gaps in the current results and possible tips for future studies. Based on the literature outcomes, PM is suspected to play a double role in COVID-19: a chronic and an acute one. The chronic role is related to the possible influence of long-term and short-term exposure to high concentrations of PM in developing severe forms of COVID-19, including death. The acute role is linked to the possible carrier function of PM in SARS-CoV-2. The scientific community seems sure that the inflammatory effect on the respiratory system of short-term exposure to a high concentration of PM, and other additional negative effects on human health in cases of longer exposure, increases the risk of developing a more severe form of COVID-19 in cases of contagion. On the contrary, the results regarding PM acting as a carrier of SARS-CoV-2 are more conflicting, especially regarding the possible inactivation of the virus in the environment, and no final explanation on the possible acute role of PM in the spread of COVID-19 can be inferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Collivignarelli
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Interdepartmental Centre for Water Research, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.C.C.); (M.C.M.)
| | - Stefano Bellazzi
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Maria Caccamo
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Carnevale Miino
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.C.C.); (M.C.M.)
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Paital B, Pati SG, Panda F, Jally SK, Agrawal PK. Changes in physicochemical, heavy metals and air quality linked to spot Aplocheilus panchax along Mahanadi industrial belt of India under COVID-19-induced lockdowns. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:751-770. [PMID: 35306623 PMCID: PMC8934247 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-022-01247-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Positive effects of COVID-19-induced lockdowns on environment are well documented although pre-planned experiments for such analyses and appearance of fish species are lacking. We hypothesize that spotting the fish Aplocheilus panchax along the industrial belt of Mahanadi River near Cuttack in a never seen manner could be due to the regenerated environment. Heavy metals, water and air qualities along with spotting A. panchax in up, mid and downstream of Mahanadi River near Jagatpur industrial basins were analysed during pre-(end of March 2020) and after 60 days of lockdowns (last week of May 2020). An overall 45, 61, 79, 100, 97 and 90% reduction of Fe, Cu, Ni, Cd, Pb and Zn was recorded in the studied area after lockdowns, respectively. Similarly, dissolved oxygen and pH were elevated by 26 and 7%, respectively. Water temperature, conductivity and total dissolved solute levels were reduced by 7, 46 and 15%, respectively, which were again elevated during post-lockdowns during 2021 as observed from the Landsat-8 OLI satellite data. Air NO2, SO2, NH3, PM2.5, PM10 and CO levels were alleviated by 58.75, 80.33, 72.22, 76.28, 77.33 and 80.15%, respectively. Finally, for the first time, about 12 A. panchax fish per 100 m shore line in the area were spotted. The observed lockdown-induced environmental healing at the studied area could contribute to the appearance of A. panchax in the study site and therefore a stringent environmental audit is suggested during post-COVID-19 periods to make the regenerated environmental status long lasting in such habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biswaranjan Paital
- Redox Regulation Laboratory, Department of Zoology, College of Basic Science and Humanities, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, 751003, India.
| | - Samar Gourav Pati
- Redox Regulation Laboratory, Department of Zoology, College of Basic Science and Humanities, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, 751003, India
| | - Falguni Panda
- Redox Regulation Laboratory, Department of Zoology, College of Basic Science and Humanities, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, 751003, India
| | - Sujit Kumar Jally
- School of Geography, Gangadhar Meher University, Sambalpur, Odisha, India
| | - Pawan Kumar Agrawal
- Main Building, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, 751003, India
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20
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Botto L, Lonati E, Russo S, Cazzaniga E, Bulbarelli A, Palestini P. Effects of PM2.5 Exposure on the ACE/ACE2 Pathway: Possible Implication in COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4393. [PMID: 36901403 PMCID: PMC10002082 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Particulate matter (PM) is a harmful component of urban air pollution and PM2.5, in particular, can settle in the deep airways. The RAS system plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of pollution-induced inflammatory diseases: the ACE/AngII/AT1 axis activates a pro-inflammatory pathway counteracted by the ACE2/Ang(1-7)/MAS axis, which in turn triggers an anti-inflammatory and protective pathway. However, ACE2 acts also as a receptor through which SARS-CoV-2 penetrates host cells to replicate. COX-2, HO-1, and iNOS are other crucial proteins involved in ultrafine particles (UFP)-induced inflammation and oxidative stress, but closely related to the course of the COVID-19 disease. BALB/c male mice were subjected to PM2.5 sub-acute exposure to study its effects on ACE2 and ACE, COX-2, HO-1 and iNOS proteins levels, in the main organs concerned with the pathogenesis of COVID-19. The results obtained show that sub-acute exposure to PM2.5 induces organ-specific modifications which might predispose to greater susceptibility to severe symptomatology in the case of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The novelty of this work consists in using a molecular study, carried out in the lung but also in the main organs involved in the disease, to analyze the close relationship between exposure to pollution and the pathogenesis of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Botto
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Elena Lonati
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Stefania Russo
- FIMP-Federazione Italiana Medici Pediatri, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Cazzaniga
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
- POLARIS Centre, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bulbarelli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
- POLARIS Centre, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Palestini
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
- POLARIS Centre, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
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21
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Singh BP, Sohrab SS, Athar M, Alandijany TA, Kumari S, Nair A, Kumari S, Mehra K, Chowdhary K, Rahman S, Azhar EI. Substantial Changes in Selected Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Associations with Health Risk Assessments in Industrial Areas during the COVID-19 Pandemic. TOXICS 2023; 11:165. [PMID: 36851040 PMCID: PMC9963041 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11020165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, governments in many countries worldwide, including India, imposed several restriction measures, including lockdowns, to prevent the spread of the infection. COVID-19 lockdowns led to a reduction in gaseous and particulate pollutants in ambient air. In the present study, we investigated the substantial changes in selected volatile organic compounds (VOCs) after the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and associations with health risk assessments in industrial areas. VOC data from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2021 were collected from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) website, to identify percentage changes in VOC levels before, during, and after COVID-19. The mean TVOC levels at all monitoring stations were 47.22 ± 30.15, 37.19 ± 37.19, and 32.81 ± 32.81 µg/m3 for 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively. As a result, the TVOC levels gradually declined in consecutive years due to the pandemic in India. The mean TVOC levels at all monitoring stations declined from 9 to 61% during the pandemic period as compared with the pre-pandemic period. In the current study, the T/B ratio values ranged from 2.16 (PG) to 26.38 (NL), which indicated that the major pollutant contributors were traffic and non-traffic sources during the pre-pandemic period. The present findings indicated that TVOC levels had positive but low correlations with SR, BP, RF, and WD, with correlation coefficients (r) of 0.034, 0.118, 0.012, and 0.007, respectively, whereas negative correlations were observed with AT and WS, with correlation coefficients (r) of -0.168 and -0.150, respectively. The lifetime cancer risk (LCR) value for benzene was reported to be higher in children, followed by females and males, for the pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic periods. A nationwide scale-up of this study's findings might be useful in formulating future air pollution reduction policies associated with a reduction in health risk factors. Furthermore, the present study provides baseline data for future studies on the impacts of anthropogenic activities on the air quality of a region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhupendra Pratap Singh
- Department of Environmental Studies, Deshbadhu College, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110019, India
- Delhi School of Climate Change and Sustainability (Institute of Eminence), University of Delhi, New Delhi 110007, India
| | - Sayed Sartaj Sohrab
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Athar
- Science and Technology Unit, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thamir A. Alandijany
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saumya Kumari
- Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110019, India
| | - Arathi Nair
- Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110019, India
| | - Sweety Kumari
- Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110019, India
| | - Kriti Mehra
- Department of Life Science, Deshbadhu College, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110019, India
| | - Khyati Chowdhary
- Department of Life Science, Deshbadhu College, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110019, India
| | - Shakilur Rahman
- Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110019, India
| | - Esam Ibraheem Azhar
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
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22
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Han J, Yin J, Wu X, Wang D, Li C. Environment and COVID-19 incidence: A critical review. J Environ Sci (China) 2023; 124:933-951. [PMID: 36182196 PMCID: PMC8858699 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an unprecedented worldwide health crisis. Many previous research studies have found and investigated its links with one or some natural or human environmental factors. However, a review on the relationship between COVID-19 incidence and both the natural and human environment is still lacking. This review summarizes the inter-correlation between COVID-19 incidence and environmental factors. Based on keyword searching, we reviewed 100 relevant peer-reviewed articles and other research literature published since January 2020. This review is focused on three main findings. One, we found that individual environmental factors have impacts on COVID-19 incidence, but with spatial heterogeneity and uncertainty. Two, environmental factors exert interactive effects on COVID-19 incidence. In particular, the interactions of natural factors can affect COVID-19 transmission in micro- and macro- ways by impacting SARS-CoV-2 survival, as well as human mobility and behaviors. Three, the impact of COVID-19 incidence on the environment lies in the fact that COVID-19-induced lockdowns caused air quality improvement, wildlife shifts and socio-economic depression. The additional value of this review is that we recommend future research perspectives and adaptation strategies regarding the interactions of the environment and COVID-19. Future research should be extended to cover both the effects of the environment on the COVID-19 pandemic and COVID-19-induced impacts on the environment. Future adaptation strategies should focus on sustainable environmental and public policy responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiatong Han
- State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, College of Global Change and Earth System Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Jie Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, College of Global Change and Earth System Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xiaoxu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, College of Global Change and Earth System Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Danyang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, College of Global Change and Earth System Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Chenlu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, College of Global Change and Earth System Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
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23
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The COVID-19 Mortality Rate Is Associated with Illiteracy, Age, and Air Pollution in Urban Neighborhoods: A Spatiotemporal Cross-Sectional Analysis. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8020085. [PMID: 36828501 PMCID: PMC9962969 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8020085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
There are different area-based factors affecting the COVID-19 mortality rate in urban areas. This research aims to examine COVID-19 mortality rates and their geographical association with various socioeconomic and ecological determinants in 350 of Tehran's neighborhoods as a big city. All deaths related to COVID-19 are included from December 2019 to July 2021. Spatial techniques, such as Kulldorff's SatScan, geographically weighted regression (GWR), and multi-scale GWR (MGWR), were used to investigate the spatially varying correlations between COVID-19 mortality rates and predictors, including air pollutant factors, socioeconomic status, built environment factors, and public transportation infrastructure. The city's downtown and northern areas were found to be significantly clustered in terms of spatial and temporal high-risk areas for COVID-19 mortality. The MGWR regression model outperformed the OLS and GWR regression models with an adjusted R2 of 0.67. Furthermore, the mortality rate was found to be associated with air quality (e.g., NO2, PM10, and O3); as air pollution increased, so did mortality. Additionally, the aging and illiteracy rates of urban neighborhoods were positively associated with COVID-19 mortality rates. Our approach in this study could be implemented to study potential associations of area-based factors with other emerging infectious diseases worldwide.
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24
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Burbank AJ. Risk Factors for Respiratory Viral Infections: A Spotlight on Climate Change and Air Pollution. J Asthma Allergy 2023; 16:183-194. [PMID: 36721739 PMCID: PMC9884560 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s364845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate change has both direct and indirect effects on human health, and some populations are more vulnerable to these effects than others. Viral respiratory infections are most common illnesses in humans, with estimated 17 billion incident infections globally in 2019. Anthropogenic drivers of climate change, chiefly the emission of greenhouse gases and toxic pollutants from burning of fossil fuels, and the consequential changes in temperature, precipitation, and frequency of extreme weather events have been linked with increased susceptibility to viral respiratory infections. Air pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, diesel exhaust particles, and ozone have been shown to impact susceptibility and immune responses to viral infections through various mechanisms, including exaggerated or impaired innate and adaptive immune responses, disruption of the airway epithelial barrier, altered cell surface receptor expression, and impaired cytotoxic function. An estimated 90% of the world's population is exposed to air pollution, making this a topic with high relevance to human health. This review summarizes the available epidemiologic and experimental evidence for an association between climate change, air pollution, and viral respiratory infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison J Burbank
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA,Correspondence: Allison J Burbank, 5008B Mary Ellen Jones Building, 116 Manning Dr, CB#7231, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA, Tel +1 919 962 5136, Fax +1 919 962 4421, Email
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25
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Gu Z, Han J, Zhang L, Wang H, Luo X, Meng X, Zhang Y, Niu X, Lan Y, Wu S, Cao J, Lichtfouse E. Unanswered questions on the airborne transmission of COVID-19. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2023; 21:725-739. [PMID: 36628267 PMCID: PMC9816530 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-022-01557-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Policies and measures to control pandemics are often failing. While biological factors controlling transmission are usually well explored, little is known about the environmental drivers of transmission and infection. For instance, respiratory droplets and aerosol particles are crucial vectors for the airborne transmission of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the causation agent of the coronavirus 2019 pandemic (COVID-19). Once expectorated, respiratory droplets interact with atmospheric particulates that influence the viability and transmission of the novel coronavirus, yet there is little knowledge on this process or its consequences on virus transmission and infection. Here we review the effects of atmospheric particulate properties, vortex zones, and air pollution on virus survivability and transmission. We found that particle size, chemical constituents, electrostatic charges, and the moisture content of airborne particles can have notable effects on virus transmission, with higher survival generally associated with larger particles, yet some viruses are better preserved on small particles. Some chemical constituents and surface-adsorbed chemical species may damage peptide bonds in viral proteins and impair virus stability. Electrostatic charges and water content of atmospheric particulates may affect the adherence of virion particles and possibly their viability. In addition, vortex zones and human thermal plumes are major environmental factors altering the aerodynamics of buoyant particles in air, which can strongly influence the transport of airborne particles and the transmission of associated viruses. Insights into these factors may provide explanations for the widely observed positive correlations between COVID-19 infection and mortality with air pollution, of which particulate matter is a common constituent that may have a central role in the airborne transmission of the novel coronavirus. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10311-022-01557-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaolin Gu
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Han
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Liyuan Zhang
- School of Water and Environment, Chang’an University, Xi’an, 710064 People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongliang Wang
- Health Science Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xilian Luo
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiangzhao Meng
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Zhang
- School of Architecture, Chang’an University, Xi’an, 710064 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinyi Niu
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Lan
- School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Shaowei Wu
- School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Junji Cao
- Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100029 People’s Republic of China
| | - Eric Lichtfouse
- State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
- CNRS, IRD, INRAE, CEREGE, Aix-Marseille University, 13100, Aix-en-Provence, France
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Yadav VK, Choudhary N, Inwati GK, Rai A, Singh B, Solanki B, Paital B, Sahoo DK. Recent trends in the nanozeolites-based oxygen concentrators and their application in respiratory disorders. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1147373. [PMID: 37181347 PMCID: PMC10174459 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1147373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Medical-grade oxygen is the basic need for all medical complications, especially in respiratory-based discomforts. There was a drastic increase in the demand for medical-grade oxygen during the current pandemic. The non-availability of medical-grade oxygen led to several complications, including death. The oxygen concentrator was only the last hope for the patient during COVID-19 pandemic around the globe. The demands also are everlasting during other microbial respiratory infections. The yield of oxygen using conventional molecular zeolites in the traditional oxygen concentrator process is less than the yield noticed when its nano-form is used. Nanotechnology has enlightened hope for the efficient production of oxygen by such oxygen concentrators. Here in the current review work, the authors have highlighted the basic structural features of oxygen concentrators along with the current working principle. Besides, it has been tried to bridge the gap between conventional oxygen concentrators and advanced ones by using nanotechnology. Nanoparticles being usually within 100 nm in size have a high surface area to volume ratio, which makes them suitable adsorbents for oxygen. Here authors have suggested the use of nano zeolite in place of molecular zeolites in the oxygen concentrator for efficient delivery of oxygen by the oxygen concentrators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virendra Kumar Yadav
- Department of Biosciences, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Mody University of Science and Technology, Lakshmangarh, Rajasthan, India
- Department of Life Sciences, Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University, Patan, Gujarat, India
- *Correspondence: Virendra Kumar Yadav,
| | - Nisha Choudhary
- Department of Life Sciences, Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University, Patan, Gujarat, India
- Department of Environment Sciences, School of Sciences, P P Savani University, Surat, Gujarat, India
| | | | - Ashita Rai
- School of Environment and Sustainable Development, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Bijendra Singh
- School of Chemical Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Bharat Solanki
- Department of Biochemistry, M B Patel Science College, Anand, Gujarat, India
| | - Biswaranjan Paital
- Redox Regulation Laboratory, Department of Zoology, College of Basic Science and Humanities, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, India
- Biswaranjan Paital,
| | - Dipak Kumar Sahoo
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
- Dipak Kumar Sahoo, ;
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Sheraz M, Mir KA, Anus A, Le VCT, Kim S, Nguyen VQ, Lee WR. SARS-CoV-2 airborne transmission: a review of risk factors and possible preventative measures using air purifiers. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:2191-2216. [PMID: 36278886 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00333c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The rapid spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the resulting worldwide death toll have prompted worries regarding its transmission mechanisms. Direct, indirect, and droplet modes are the basic mechanisms of transmission. SARS-CoV-2 spreads by respiratory droplets (size range >10 μm size ranges), aerosols (5 μm), airborne, and particulate matter. The rapid transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is due to the involvement of tiny indoor air particulate matter (PM2.5), which functions as a vector. SARS-CoV-2 is more contagious in the indoor environment where particulate matter floats for a longer period and greater distances. Extended residence time in the environment raises the risk of SARS-CoV-2 entering the lower respiratory tract, which may cause serious infection and possibly death. To decrease viral transmission in the indoor environment, it is essential to catch and kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus and maintain virus-free air, which will significantly reduce viral exposure concerns. Therefore, effective air filters with anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-air-pollutant characteristics are gaining popularity recently. It is essential to develop cost-effective materials based on nanoparticles and metal-organic frameworks in order to lower the risk of airborne transmission in developing countries. A diverse range of materials play an important role in the manufacturing of effective air filters. We have summarized in this review article the basic concepts of the transmission routes of SARS-CoV-2 virus and precautionary measures using air purifiers with efficient materials-based air filters for the indoor environment. The performance of air-filter materials, challenges and alternative approaches, and future perspectives are also presented. We believe that air purifiers fabricated with highly efficient materials can control various air pollutants and prevent upcoming pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahshab Sheraz
- Research Centre for Climate Change and Energy, Department of Environmental Sciences and Biotechnology, Hallym University, Chuncheon-si, 24252, Republic of Korea
- Nano-Innotek Corporation, 123, Digital-ro 26 Gil, Guro-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kaleem Anwar Mir
- Research Centre for Climate Change and Energy, Department of Environmental Sciences and Biotechnology, Hallym University, Chuncheon-si, 24252, Republic of Korea
- Global Change Impact Studies Centre, Ministry of Climate Change, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Ali Anus
- Research Centre for Climate Change and Energy, Department of Environmental Sciences and Biotechnology, Hallym University, Chuncheon-si, 24252, Republic of Korea
- Nano-Innotek Corporation, 123, Digital-ro 26 Gil, Guro-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Van Cam Thi Le
- Research Centre for Climate Change and Energy, Department of Environmental Sciences and Biotechnology, Hallym University, Chuncheon-si, 24252, Republic of Korea
- Nano-Innotek Corporation, 123, Digital-ro 26 Gil, Guro-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, USA
| | - Seungdo Kim
- Research Centre for Climate Change and Energy, Department of Environmental Sciences and Biotechnology, Hallym University, Chuncheon-si, 24252, Republic of Korea
- Nano-Innotek Corporation, 123, Digital-ro 26 Gil, Guro-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Environment Strategy Development Institute, Hallym University, Chuncheon-si 24252, South Korea
| | - Van Quyet Nguyen
- Nano-Innotek Corporation, 123, Digital-ro 26 Gil, Guro-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Woo Ram Lee
- Department of Chemistry, School of Future Convergence, Hallym University, Engineering Building# 1348, 1 Hallymdaehak-gil, Chuncheon-si 24252, Gangwon-do, South Korea.
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Jiang B, Yang Y, Chen L, Liu X, Wu X, Chen B, Webster C, Sullivan WC, Larsen L, Wang J, Lu Y. Green spaces, especially nearby forest, may reduce the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate: A nationwide study in the United States. LANDSCAPE AND URBAN PLANNING 2022; 228:104583. [PMID: 36158763 PMCID: PMC9485427 DOI: 10.1016/j.landurbplan.2022.104583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus pandemic is an ongoing global crisis that has profoundly harmed public health. Although studies found exposure to green spaces can provide multiple health benefits, the relationship between exposure to green spaces and the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate is unclear. This is a critical knowledge gap for research and practice. In this study, we examined the relationship between total green space, seven types of green space, and a year of SARS-CoV-2 infection data across 3,108 counties in the contiguous United States, after controlling for spatial autocorrelation and multiple types of covariates. First, we examined the association between total green space and SARS-CoV-2 infection rate. Next, we examined the association between different types of green space and SARS-CoV-2 infection rate. Then, we examined forest-infection rate association across five time periods and five urbanicity levels. Lastly, we examined the association between infection rate and population-weighted exposure to forest at varying buffer distances (100 m to 4 km). We found that total green space was negative associated with the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate. Furthermore, two forest variables (forest outside park and forest inside park) had the strongest negative association with the infection rate, while open space variables had mixed associations with the infection rate. Forest outside park was more effective than forest inside park. The optimal buffer distances associated with lowest infection rate are within 1,200 m for forest outside park and within 600 m for forest inside park. Altogether, the findings suggest that green spaces, especially nearby forest, may significantly mitigate risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Jiang
- Urban Environments and Human Health Lab, HKUrbanLabs, Faculty of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- Division of Landscape Architecture, Department of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Yuwen Yang
- Urban Environments and Human Health Lab, HKUrbanLabs, Faculty of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- Division of Landscape Architecture, Department of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Long Chen
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Xueming Liu
- Urban Environments and Human Health Lab, HKUrbanLabs, Faculty of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- Division of Landscape Architecture, Department of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Xueying Wu
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Bin Chen
- Future Urbanity & Sustainable Environment (FUSE) Lab, Division of Landscape Architecture, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- Urban Systems Institute, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- HKU Musketeers Foundation Institute of Data Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Chris Webster
- HKUrbanLabs, Faculty of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - William C Sullivan
- Smart, Healthy Communities Initiative, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
- Department of Landscape Architecture, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
| | - Linda Larsen
- Smart Energy Design Assistance Center, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
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Paital B, Das K. Spike in pollution to ignite the bursting of COVID-19 second wave is more dangerous than spike of SAR-CoV-2 under environmental ignorance in long term: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:85595-85611. [PMID: 34390474 PMCID: PMC8363867 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15915-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Specific areas in many countries such as Italy, India, China, Brazil, Germany and the USA have witnessed that air pollution increases the risk of COVID-19 severity as particulate matters transmit the virus SARS-CoV-2 and causes high expression of ACE2, the receptor for spike protein of the virus, especially under exposure to NO2, SO2 and NOx emissions. Wastewater-based epidemiology of COVID-19 is also noticed in many countries such as the Netherlands, the USA, Paris, France, Australia, Spain, Italy, Switzerland China, India and Hungary. Soil is also found to be contaminated by the RNA of SARS-CoV-2. Activities including defecation and urination by infected people contribute to the source for soil contamination, while release of wastewater containing cough, urine and stool of infected people from hospitals and home isolation contributes to the source of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in both water and soil. Detection of the virus early before the outbreak of the disease supports this fact. Based on this information, spike in pollution is found to be more dangerous in long-term than the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. It is because the later one may be controlled in future within months or few years by vaccination and with specific drugs, but the former one provides base for many diseases including the current and any future pandemics. Although such predictions and the positive effects of SARS-CoV-2 on environment was already forecasted after the first wave of COVID-19, the learnt lesson as spotlight was not considered as one of the measures for which 2nd wave has quickly hit the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biswaranjan Paital
- Redox Regulation Laboratory, Department of Zoology, College of Basic Science and Humanities, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, 751003, India.
| | - Kabita Das
- Department of Philosophy, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, India
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30
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Hernandez Carballo I, Bakola M, Stuckler D. The impact of air pollution on COVID-19 incidence, severity, and mortality: A systematic review of studies in Europe and North America. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 215:114155. [PMID: 36030916 PMCID: PMC9420033 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution is speculated to increase the risks of COVID-19 spread, severity, and mortality. OBJECTIVES We systematically reviewed studies investigating the relationship between air pollution and COVID-19 cases, non-fatal severity, and mortality in North America and Europe. METHODS We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for studies investigating the effects of harmful pollutants, including particulate matter with diameter ≤2.5 or 10 μm (PM2.5 or PM10), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and carbon monoxide (CO), on COVID-19 cases, severity, and deaths in Europe and North America through to June 19, 2021. Articles were included if they quantitatively measured the relationship between exposure to air pollution and COVID-19 health outcomes. RESULTS From 2,482 articles screened, we included 116 studies reporting 355 separate pollutant-COVID-19 estimates. Approximately half of all evaluations on incidence were positive and significant associations (52.7%); for mortality the corresponding figure was similar (48.1%), while for non-fatal severity this figure was lower (41.2%). Longer-term exposure to pollutants appeared more likely to be positively associated with COVID-19 incidence (63.8%). PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, and CO were most strongly positively associated with COVID-19 incidence, while PM2.5 and NO2 with COVID-19 deaths. All studies were observational and most exhibited high risk of confounding and outcome measurement bias. DISCUSSION Air pollution may be associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes. Future research is needed to better test the air pollution-COVID-19 hypothesis, particularly using more robust study designs and COVID-19 measures that are less prone to measurement error and by considering co-pollutant interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ireri Hernandez Carballo
- Department of Social and Political Sciences, Bocconi University, Milan, Lombardy, Italy; RFF-CMCC European Institute of Economics and the Environment, Centro Euro-Mediterraneo Sui Cambiamenti Climatici, Milan, Lombardy, Italy.
| | - Maria Bakola
- Research Unit for General Medicine and Primary Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Science, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - David Stuckler
- Department of Social and Political Sciences, Bocconi University, Milan, Lombardy, Italy; DONDENA Centre for Research on Social Dynamics and Public Policy, Bocconi University, Milan, Lombardy, Italy
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31
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Izquierdo-Condoy JS, Fernandez-Naranjo R, Vasconez-González E, Cordovez S, Tello-De-la-Torre A, Paz C, Delgado-Moreira K, Carrington S, Viscor G, Ortiz-Prado E. Long COVID at Different Altitudes: A Countrywide Epidemiological Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192214673. [PMID: 36429392 PMCID: PMC9690364 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several reports from around the world have reported that some patients who have recovered from COVID-19 have experienced a range of persistent or new clinical symptoms after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. These symptoms can last from weeks to months, impacting everyday functioning to a significant number of patients. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis based on an online, self-reporting questionnaire was conducted in Ecuador from April to July 2022. Participants were invited by social media, radio, and TV to voluntarily participate in our study. A total of 2103 surveys were included in this study. We compared socio-demographic variables and long-term persisting symptoms at low (<2500 m) and high altitude (>2500 m). RESULTS Overall, 1100 (52.3%) responders claimed to have Long-COVID symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Most of these were reported by women (64.0%); the most affected group was young adults between 21 to 40 years (68.5%), and most long-haulers were mestizos (91.6%). We found that high altitude residents were more likely to report persisting symptoms (71.7%) versus those living at lower altitudes (29.3%). The most common symptoms were fatigue or tiredness (8.4%), hair loss (5.1%) and difficulty concentrating (5.0%). The highest proportion of symptoms was observed in the group that received less than 2 doses. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study describing post-COVID symptoms' persistence in low and high-altitude residents. Our findings demonstrate that women, especially those aging between 21-40, are more likely to describe Long-COVID. We also found that living at a high altitude was associated with higher reports of mood changes, tachycardia, decreased libido, insomnia, and palpitations compared to lowlanders. Finally, we found a greater risk to report Long-COVID symptoms among women, those with previous comorbidities and those who had a severer acute SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan S. Izquierdo-Condoy
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad de Las Americas, Quito 170137, Ecuador
- Health Management and Research Area, Department of Health Sciences, Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana, Arecibo, PR 00613, USA
| | - Raul Fernandez-Naranjo
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad de Las Americas, Quito 170137, Ecuador
| | - Eduardo Vasconez-González
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad de Las Americas, Quito 170137, Ecuador
| | - Simone Cordovez
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad de Las Americas, Quito 170137, Ecuador
| | - Andrea Tello-De-la-Torre
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad de Las Americas, Quito 170137, Ecuador
| | - Clara Paz
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad de Las Americas, Quito 170137, Ecuador
| | - Karen Delgado-Moreira
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad de Las Americas, Quito 170137, Ecuador
| | - Sarah Carrington
- Lugar, Medio y Sociedad Research Group, School of Economics, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170124, Ecuador
| | - Ginés Viscor
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esteban Ortiz-Prado
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad de Las Americas, Quito 170137, Ecuador
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +593-995-760-693
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32
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Chaipitakporn C, Athavale P, Kumar V, Sathiyakumar T, Budišić M, Sur S, Mondal S. COVID-19 in the U.S. during pre-vaccination period: Shifting impact of sociodemographic factors and air pollution. FRONTIERS IN EPIDEMIOLOGY 2022; 2:927189. [PMID: 38455291 PMCID: PMC10910972 DOI: 10.3389/fepid.2022.927189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Pandemic "wave" usually refers to the rise and fall of the infections with time, however, for a large country, the variations due to geographical location could be considerable. In this work, we investigated COVID-19 infection and fatality across the U.S. during the pandemic waves in the pre-vaccination period (January 2020-December 2020). Focusing on counties with a population ≥100,000, the data from the entire period were first segmented into two equal phases roughly corresponding to the first pandemic wave and subsequent surge, and each phase was further divided into two zones based on infection rate. We studied the potential influences of six sociodemographic variables (population density, age, poverty, education, and percentage of Hispanic and African American population) and four air pollutants (PM2.5, NO2, SO2, and O3) on the differences in infection and fatality observed among different phases and zones. We noticed a distinct difference in the overall impact of COVID-19 between the two phases of the pre-vaccination period with a substantial decrease in the fatality in the second phase despite an increase in the infection. Analysis using log-linear regression modeling further revealed a shift in the impact of several risk factors considered in this study. For example, population density and lesser education were found to be significant for infection during the first phase of the pandemic alone. Furthermore, population density and lesser education along with poverty and NO2 level had a significant contribution to fatality during the first phase of the pandemic, while age over 65 years was important in both phases. Interestingly, the effects of many of these factors were found to be significant only in the zones with higher infection rates. Our findings indicate that the impacts of several well-known sociodemographic and environmental risk factors for COVID-19 are not constant throughout the course of the pandemic, and therefore, careful considerations should be made about their role when developing preventative and mitigative measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaya Chaipitakporn
- David D. Reh School of Business, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States
| | - Prashant Athavale
- Department of Mathematics, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Department of Mathematics, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States
| | | | - Marko Budišić
- Department of Mathematics, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States
| | - Shantanu Sur
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States
| | - Sumona Mondal
- Department of Mathematics, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States
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33
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Ma L, Zhang Y, Lin Z, Zhou Y, Yan C, Zhang Y, Zhou W, Ma W, Hua C, Li X, Deng C, Qi Y, Dada L, Li H, Bianchi F, Petäjä T, Kangasluoma J, Jiang J, Liu S, Hussein T, Kulmala M, Liu Y. Deposition potential of 0.003-10 µm ambient particles in the humidified human respiratory tract: Contribution of new particle formation events in Beijing. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 243:114023. [PMID: 36030686 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Ultrafine particles (UFPs) usually explosive growth during new particle formation (NPF) events. However, the risk of exposure to UFPs on NPF days has been ignored due to the prevalence of mass-based air quality standards. In this study, the daily deposited doses, i.e., the daily deposited particle number dose (DPNd), mass dose (DPMd), and surface area dose (DPSd), of ambient particles in the human respiratory tract in Beijing were evaluated based on the particle number size distribution (3 nm-10 µm) from June 2018 to May 2019 utilizing a Multiple-Path Particle Dosimetry Model (MPPD) after the hygroscopic growth of particles in the respiratory tract had been accounted for. Our observations showed a high frequency (72.6%) of NPF on excellent air quality days, with daily mean PM2.5 concentrations less than 35 μg m-3. The daily DPNd on excellent air quality days was comparable with that on polluted days, although the DPMd on excellent air quality days was as low as 15.6% of that on polluted days. The DPNd on NPF days was ~1.3 times that on non-NPF days. The DPNd in respiratory tract regions decreased in the order: tracheobronchial (TB) > pulmonary (PUL) > extrathoracic (ET) on NPF days, while it was PUL > TB > ET on non-NPF days. The number of deposited nucleation mode particles, which were deposited mainly in the TB region (45%), was 2 times higher on NPF days than that on non-NPF days. Our results demonstrated that the deposition potential due to UFPs in terms of particle number concentrations is high in Beijing regardless of the aerosol mass concentration. More toxicological studies related to UFPs on NPF days, especially those targeting tracheobronchial and pulmonary impairment, are required in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ma
- Aerosol and Haze Laboratory, Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Aerosol and Haze Laboratory, Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Zhuohui Lin
- Aerosol and Haze Laboratory, Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Aerosol and Haze Laboratory, Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Chao Yan
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research/Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yusheng Zhang
- Aerosol and Haze Laboratory, Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Wenshuo Zhou
- Aerosol and Haze Laboratory, Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Wei Ma
- Aerosol and Haze Laboratory, Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Chenjie Hua
- Aerosol and Haze Laboratory, Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Li
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China
| | - Chenjuan Deng
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China
| | - Yu Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Lubna Dada
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research/Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hongyan Li
- School of Environment and Safety, Taiyuan University of Science and Technology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030024, China
| | - Federico Bianchi
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research/Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuukka Petäjä
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research/Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Juha Kangasluoma
- Aerosol and Haze Laboratory, Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China; Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research/Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jingkun Jiang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China
| | - Sijin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Tareq Hussein
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research/Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Finland; The University of Jordan, Department of Physics, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Markku Kulmala
- Aerosol and Haze Laboratory, Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China; Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research/Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yongchun Liu
- Aerosol and Haze Laboratory, Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.
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Sheridan C, Klompmaker J, Cummins S, James P, Fecht D, Roscoe C. Associations of air pollution with COVID-19 positivity, hospitalisations, and mortality: Observational evidence from UK Biobank. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 308:119686. [PMID: 35779662 PMCID: PMC9243647 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Individual-level studies with adjustment for important COVID-19 risk factors suggest positive associations of long-term air pollution exposure (particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide) with COVID-19 infection, hospitalisations and mortality. The evidence, however, remains limited and mechanisms unclear. We aimed to investigate these associations within UK Biobank, and to examine the role of underlying chronic disease as a potential mechanism. UK Biobank COVID-19 positive laboratory test results were ascertained via Public Health England and general practitioner record linkage, COVID-19 hospitalisations via Hospital Episode Statistics, and COVID-19 mortality via Office for National Statistics mortality records from March-December 2020. We used annual average outdoor air pollution modelled at 2010 residential addresses of UK Biobank participants who resided in England (n = 424,721). We obtained important COVID-19 risk factors from baseline UK Biobank questionnaire responses (2006-2010) and general practitioner record linkage. We used logistic regression models to assess associations of air pollution with COVID-19 outcomes, adjusted for relevant confounders, and conducted sensitivity analyses. We found positive associations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) with COVID-19 positive test result after adjustment for confounders and COVID-19 risk factors, with odds ratios of 1.05 (95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.02, 1.08), and 1.05 (95% CI = 1.01, 1.08), respectively. PM 2.5 and NO 2 were positively associated with COVID-19 hospitalisations and deaths in minimally adjusted models, but not in fully adjusted models. No associations for PM10 were found. In analyses with additional adjustment for pre-existing chronic disease, effect estimates were not substantially attenuated, indicating that underlying chronic disease may not fully explain associations. We found some evidence that long-term exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 was associated with a COVID-19 positive test result in UK Biobank, though not with COVID-19 hospitalisations or deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Sheridan
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel St., London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom.
| | - Jochem Klompmaker
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 655 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, United States.
| | - Steven Cummins
- Population Health Innovation Lab, Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel St., London, United Kingdom.
| | - Peter James
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 655 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, United States; Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, 401 Park Drive, Suite 401 East, Boston, MA, 02215, United States.
| | - Daniela Fecht
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, St Mary's Campus, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom.
| | - Charlotte Roscoe
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 655 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, United States; MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, St Mary's Campus, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom; Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 181 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, United States.
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35
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Burns CJ, LaKind JS, Naiman J, Boon D, Clougherty JE, Rule AM, Zidek A. Research on COVID-19 and air pollution: A path towards advancing exposure science. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113240. [PMID: 35390303 PMCID: PMC8979614 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an extraordinary incidence of morbidity and mortality, with almost 6 million deaths worldwide at the time of this writing (https://covid19.who.int/). There has been a pressing need for research that would shed light on factors - especially modifiable factors - that could reduce risks to human health. At least several hundred studies addressing the complex relationships among transmission of SARS-CoV-2, air pollution, and human health have been published. However, these investigations are limited by available and consistent data. The project goal was to seek input into opportunities to improve and fund exposure research on the confluence of air pollution and infectious agents such as SARS-CoV-2. Thirty-two scientists with expertise in exposure science, epidemiology, risk assessment, infectious diseases, and/or air pollution responded to the outreach for information. Most of the respondents expressed value in developing a set of common definitions regarding the extent and type of public health lockdown. Traffic and smoking ranked high as important sources of air pollution warranting source-specific research (in contrast with assessing overall ambient level exposures). Numerous important socioeconomic factors were also identified. Participants offered a wide array of inputs on what they considered to be essential studies to improve our understanding of exposures. These ranged from detailed mechanistic studies to improved air quality monitoring studies and prospective cohort studies. Overall, many respondents indicated that these issues require more research and better study design. As an exercise to solicit opinions, important concepts were brought forth that provide opportunities for scientific collaboration and for consideration for funding prioritization. Further conversations on these concepts are needed to advance our thinking on how to design research that moves us past the documented limitations in the current body of research and prepares us for the next pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol J Burns
- Burns Epidemiology Consulting, LLC, 255 W Sunset Ct., Sanford, MI, 48657, USA.
| | - Judy S LaKind
- LaKind Associates, LLC, 106 Oakdale Avenue, Catonsville, MD, 21228, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
| | - Josh Naiman
- Naiman Consulting, LLC, 504 S 44th St, Apt 2, Phila, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Denali Boon
- Corteva Agriscience, 9330 Zionsville Rd, Indianapolis, IN, 46268, USA.
| | - Jane E Clougherty
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, 3215 Market St, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Ana M Rule
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, The Johns Hopkins University, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Angelika Zidek
- Existing Substances Risk Assessment Bureau, 269 Laurier Ave, West, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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36
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Keskin GA, Doğruparmak ŞÇ, Ergün K. Estimation of COVID-19 patient numbers using artificial neural networks based on air pollutant concentration levels. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:68269-68279. [PMID: 35538344 PMCID: PMC9090305 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20231-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The dilemma between health concerns and the economy is apparent in the context of strategic decision making during the pandemic. In particular, estimating the patient numbers and achieving an informed management of the dilemma are crucial in terms of the strategic decisions to be taken. The Covid-19 pandemic presents an important case in this context. Sustaining the efforts to cope with and to put an end to this pandemic requires investigation of the spread and infection mechanisms of the disease, and the factors which facilitate its spread. Covid-19 symptoms culminating in respiratory failure are known to cause death. Since air quality is one of the most significant factors in the progression of lung and respiratory diseases, it is aimed to estimate the number of Covid-19 patients corresponding to the pollutant parameters (PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOX, NO2, CO, O3) after determining the relationship between air pollutant parameters and Covid-19 patient numbers in Turkey. For this purpose, artificial neural network was used to estimate the number of Covid-19 patients corresponding to air pollutant parameters in Turkey. To obtain highest accuracy levels in terms of network architecture structure, various network structures were tested. The optimal performance level was developed with 15 neurons combined with one hidden layer, which achieved a network performance level as high as 0.97342. It was concluded that Covid-19 disease is affected from air pollutant parameters and the number of patients can be estimated depending on these parameters by this study. Since it is known that the struggle against the pandemic should be handled in all aspects, the result of the study will contribute to the establishment of environmental decisions and precautions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gülşen Aydın Keskin
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering, Balikesir University, Balikesir, Turkey
| | - Şenay Çetin Doğruparmak
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey.
| | - Kadriye Ergün
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering, Balikesir University, Balikesir, Turkey
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Gao J, Huang J, Li X, Tian G, Wang X, Yang C, Ma C. Challenges of the UK government and industries regarding emission control after ICE vehicle bans. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 835:155406. [PMID: 35490801 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Over the last few decades, the annual air pollutants from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles have dropped significantly, benefiting from the implementation of strict emission regulations and the development of vehicle technology. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions from transport sectors contributed more than 32% and 12% of annual total emissions. Although hazardous exhaust emissions from ICE vehicles will be reduced after the bans on ICE vehicle sales in 2030, sustainable technology development of ICE vehicles is still necessary to meet the future challenges. After-treatment retrofitting technology and Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) are particularly important measures to deal with the deterioration of engines and after-treatment systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbing Gao
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 10081, China; Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Development and Application of New Transportation Energy, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710064, China; Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Junfeng Huang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 10081, China
| | - Xiaopan Li
- Beijing Product Quality Supervision and Inspection Institute, National Automobile Inspection & Test Center (Beijing), Beijing 101399, China
| | - Guohong Tian
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Xiaochen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Development and Application of New Transportation Energy, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710064, China.
| | - Ce Yang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 10081, China
| | - Chaochen Ma
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 10081, China
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38
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Rzymski P, Poniedziałek B, Rosińska J, Rogalska M, Zarębska-Michaluk D, Rorat M, Moniuszko-Malinowska A, Lorenc B, Kozielewicz D, Piekarska A, Sikorska K, Dworzańska A, Bolewska B, Angielski G, Kowalska J, Podlasin R, Oczko-Grzesik B, Mazur W, Szymczak A, Flisiak R. The association of airborne particulate matter and benzo[a]pyrene with the clinical course of COVID-19 in patients hospitalized in Poland. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 306:119469. [PMID: 35580710 PMCID: PMC9106990 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution can adversely affect the immune response and increase the severity of the viral disease. The present study aimed to explore the relationship between symptomatology, clinical course, and inflammation markers of adult patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hospitalized in Poland (n = 4432) and air pollution levels, i.e., mean 24 h and max 24 h level of benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) and particulate matter <10 μm (PM10) and <2.5 μm (PM2.5) during a week before their hospitalization. Exposures to PM2.5 and B(a)P exceeding the limits were associated with higher odds of early respiratory symptoms of COVID-19 and hyperinflammatory state: interleukin-6 > 100 pg/mL, procalcitonin >0.25 ng/mL, and white blood cells count >11 × 103/mL. Except for the mean 24 h PM10 level, the exceedance of other air pollution parameters was associated with increased odds for oxygen saturation <90%. Exposure to elevated PM2.5 and B(a)P levels increased the odds of oxygen therapy and death. This study evidences that worse air quality is related to increased severity of COVID-19 and worse outcome in hospitalized patients. Mitigating air pollution shall be an integral part of measures undertaken to decrease the disease burden during a pandemic of viral respiratory illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806, Poznań, Poland; Integrated Science Association (ISA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), 60-806, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Barbara Poniedziałek
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Joanna Rosińska
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Rogalska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Białystok, 15-089, Białystok, Poland.
| | | | - Marta Rorat
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Wrocław Medical University, 50-367, Wrocław, Poland; First Infectious Diseases Ward, Gromkowski Regional Specialist Hospital in Wrocław, 51-149, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Anna Moniuszko-Malinowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Białystok, 15-089, Białystok, Poland.
| | - Beata Lorenc
- Pomeranian Center of Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, 80-210, Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Dorota Kozielewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100, Toruń, Poland.
| | - Anna Piekarska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Łódź, 90-549, Łódź, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Sikorska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210, Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Anna Dworzańska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Beata Bolewska
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701, Poznań, Poland.
| | | | - Justyna Kowalska
- Department of Adults' Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Regina Podlasin
- Regional Hospital of Infectious Diseases in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Barbara Oczko-Grzesik
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Włodzimierz Mazur
- Clinical Department of Infectious Diseases in Chorzów, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Szymczak
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Diseases and Acquired Immune Deficiencies, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Robert Flisiak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Białystok, 15-089, Białystok, Poland.
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39
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Kovács KD. Determination of the human impact on the drop in NO 2 air pollution due to total COVID-19 lockdown using Human-Influenced Air Pollution Decrease Index (HIAPDI). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 306:119441. [PMID: 35550137 PMCID: PMC9487181 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between territorial human influence and decreases in NO2 air pollution during a total COVID-19 lockdown in Metropolitan France. NO2 data from the confinement period and the Human Influence Index (HII) were implemented to address the problem. The relative change in tropospheric NO2 was calculated using Sentinel-5P (TROPOMI) satellite data. Hotspot-Coldspot analysis was performed to examine the change in NO2. Moreover, the novel Human-Influenced Air Pollution Decrease Index (HIAPDI) was developed. Weather bias was investigated by implementing homogeneity analysis with χ2 test. The correlations between variables were tested with the statistical T-test. Likewise, remote observations were validated with data from in-situ monitoring stations. The study showed a strong correlation between the NO2 decrease during April 2020 under confinement measures and HII. The greater the anthropogenic influence, the greater the reduction of NO2 in the regions (R2 = 0.62). The new HIAPDI evidenced the degree of anthropogenic impact on NO2 change. HIAPDI was found to be a reliable measure to determine the correlation between human influence and change in air pollution (R2 = 0.93). It is concluded that the anthropogenic influence is a determining factor in the phenomenon of near-surface NO2 reduction. The implementation of HIAPDI is recommended in the analysis of other polluting gases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamill Dániel Kovács
- Université de Lorraine, Laboratoire LOTERR-EA7304, Île Du Saulcy, 57045, Metz, France.
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40
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Li K, Ni R, Jiang T, Tian Y, Zhang X, Li C, Xie C. The regional impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the air quality in Ji'nan, China. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12099. [PMID: 35840644 PMCID: PMC9284497 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16105-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of strict lockdown measures were implemented in the areas most affected by COVID-19 in China, including Ji’nan city, from 24 January to 7 February 2020. Due to these forced restrictions, the pollution levels in cities across the country drastically decreased within just a few days. Since traffic pollution and industrial emissions are important factors affecting regional air quality, congestion has a significant impact on the environment. Therefore, using the aid of air quality data for six pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, CO and O3) from 11 monitoring stations (located in urban, suburban and urban-industrial regions) across Ji’nan, we employed the air quality index (AQI) to investigate the spatial pattern of air quality in the pre-COVID-19 (pre-COVID) and COVID-19-related lockdown (COVID lockdown) periods. The results showed that air quality significantly improved during the COVID lockdown period. Among the selected pollutants, compared to the corresponding pre-COVID levels, the greatest reduction was observed for the concentration of NO2 (54.02%), while the smallest reduction was observed for the concentration of SO2 (27.92%). The PM2.5 (38.73%), PM10 (44.92%) and CO (30.60%) levels also decreased during the COVID lockdown period; only the O3 concentration increased (37.42%) during this period. Overall, air quality improved by approximate improvements of 37.33% during the COVID lockdown period. Approximately 35.48%, 37.01% and 43.43% in the AQI were observed in urban, suburban and urban-industrial regions, respectively. Therefore, the AQI exhibited remarkable regional differences in Ji'nan. This study demonstrates the contributions of the transportation sector and local emissions to improving air quality in typical urban areas, and these research results can provide guidance for the further monitoring of air pollution in northern Chinese cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Li
- Forestry College of Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, Shandong, People's Republic of China.,Mountain Tai Forest Ecosystem Research Station of State Forestry Administration/Key Laboratory of State Forestry Administration for Silviculture of the Lower Yellow River, Tai'an, 271018, Shandong, China
| | - Ruiqiang Ni
- Forestry College of Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, Shandong, People's Republic of China.,Mountain Tai Forest Ecosystem Research Station of State Forestry Administration/Key Laboratory of State Forestry Administration for Silviculture of the Lower Yellow River, Tai'an, 271018, Shandong, China
| | - Tenglong Jiang
- Jinan Eco-environmental Monitoring Center of Shandong Province, Ji'nan, 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Yaozhen Tian
- Forestry College of Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, Shandong, People's Republic of China.,Mountain Tai Forest Ecosystem Research Station of State Forestry Administration/Key Laboratory of State Forestry Administration for Silviculture of the Lower Yellow River, Tai'an, 271018, Shandong, China
| | - Xinwen Zhang
- Forestry College of Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuanrong Li
- Forestry College of Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, Shandong, People's Republic of China. .,Mountain Tai Forest Ecosystem Research Station of State Forestry Administration/Key Laboratory of State Forestry Administration for Silviculture of the Lower Yellow River, Tai'an, 271018, Shandong, China.
| | - Chunying Xie
- Forestry College of Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, Shandong, People's Republic of China
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Spiliotis K, Koutsoumaris CC, Reppas AI, Papaxenopoulou LA, Starke J, Hatzikirou H. Optimal vaccine roll-out strategies including social distancing for pandemics. iScience 2022; 25:104575. [PMID: 35720194 PMCID: PMC9197569 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs), principally social distancing, in combination with effective vaccines, aspire to develop a protective immunity shield against pandemics and particularly against the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, an agent-based network model with small-world topology is employed to find optimal policies against pandemics, including social distancing and vaccination strategies. The agents' states are characterized by a variation of the SEIR model (susceptible, exposed, infected, recovered). To explore optimal policies, an equation-free method is proposed to solve the inverse problem of calibrating an agent's infection rate with respect to the vaccination efficacy. The results show that prioritizing the first vaccine dose in combination with mild social restrictions, is sufficient to control the pandemic, with respect to the number of deaths. Moreover, for the same mild number of social contacts, we find an optimal vaccination ratio of 0.85 between older people of ages > 65 compared to younger ones.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Constantinos Chr. Koutsoumaris
- Department of Research, Development and Innovation Statistics, National Documentation Centre, 48 Vas. Konstantinou St, Athens 11635, Greece
| | - Andreas I. Reppas
- Universität Berlin and Humboldt- Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Lito A. Papaxenopoulou
- Department of Systems Immunology and Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Rebenring 56, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jens Starke
- Institute of Mathematics, University of Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Haralampos Hatzikirou
- Centre for Information Services and High Performance Computing, Technische Universität Dresden, Nöthnitzer Straße 46, 01062 Dresden, Germany
- Mathematics Department, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Corresponding author
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42
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Ruidas D, Pal SC. Potential hotspot modeling and monitoring of PM 2.5 concentration for sustainable environmental health in Maharashtra, India. SUSTAINABLE WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT 2022; 8:98. [PMID: 35789862 PMCID: PMC9244079 DOI: 10.1007/s40899-022-00682-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Modern human civilization has suffered from the disastrous impact of COVID-19, but it teaches us the lesson that the environment can restore its stability without human activity. The Government of India (GOI) has launched many strategies to prevent the situation of COVID-19, including a lockdown that has a great impact on the environment. The present study focuses on the analysis of Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5) concentration levels in pre-locking, lockdown, and unlocking phases across ten major cities of Maharashtra (MH) that were the COVID hotspot of India during the COVID-19 outbreak; phase-wise and year-wise (2018-2020) hotspot analysis, box diagram and line graph methods were used to assess spatial variation in PM2.5 across MH cities. Our study showed that the PM2.5 concentration level was severe at pre-lockdown stage (January-March) and it decreased dramatically at the lockdown stage, later it also increased in its previous position at the unlocking stages, i.e., PM2.5 decreased dramatically (59%) during the lockdown period compared to the pre-lockdown period due to the shutdown of outdoor activities. It returns to its previous position due to the unlocking situation and increases (70%) compared to the lockdown period which illustrated the ups and downs of PM2.5 and ensures the position of different cities in the Air Quality Index (AQI) categories at different times. In the pre-lockdown phase, maximum PM2.5 concentration was in Navi Mumbai (NAV) (358) and Mumbai (MUM) (338), and Pune (PUN) (335) and Nashik NAS (325) subsequently, whereas at the last of the lockdown phase, it becomes Chandrapur (CHN) (82), Nagpur (NAG) (76), and Solapur (SOL) (45) subsequently. Hence, the restoration of the environment during the lockdown phase was temporary rather than permanent. Therefore, our findings propose that several effective policies of government such as relocation of polluting industries, short-term lockdown, odd-even vehicle number, installation of air purifier, and government strict initiatives are needed in making a sustainable environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipankar Ruidas
- Department of Geography, The University of Burdwan, Bardhaman, West Bengal 713104 India
| | - Subodh Chandra Pal
- Department of Geography, The University of Burdwan, Bardhaman, West Bengal 713104 India
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43
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Huy LD, Shih CL, Chang YM, Nguyen NTH, Phuc PT, Ou TY, Huang CC. Comparison of COVID-19 Resilience Index and Its Associated Factors across 29 Countries during the Delta and Omicron Variant Periods. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10060940. [PMID: 35746548 PMCID: PMC9228202 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10060940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Our study aims to compare the pandemic resilience index and explore the associated factors during the Delta and Omicron variant periods. In addition, the study aims to identify the characteristics of countries that had good performances. We analyzed observation data among 29 countries over the first eight weeks during the two periods of Delta and Omicron variant dominance. Data were extracted from open public databases. The Omicron variant caused a lowered mortality rate per 100,000 COVID-19 patients; however, it is still imposing a colossal burden on health care systems. We found the percentage of the population fully vaccinated and high government indices were significantly associated with a better resilience index in both the Delta and Omicron periods. In contrast, the higher death rate of cancers and greater years lived with disability (YLD) caused by low bone density were linked with poor resilience index in the Omicron periods. Over two periods of Delta and Omicron, countries with good performance had a lower death rate from chronic diseases and lower YLD caused by nutrition deficiency and PM2.5. Our findings suggest that governments need to keep enhancing the vaccine coverage rates, developing interventions for populations with chronic diseases and nutrition deficiency to mitigate COVID-19 impacts on these targeted vulnerable cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Duc Huy
- Health Personnel Training Institute, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue 49120, Vietnam; (L.D.H.); (N.T.H.N.)
- School of Health Care Administration, College of Management, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 10675, Taiwan; (Y.-M.C.); (P.T.P.)
| | | | - Yao-Mao Chang
- School of Health Care Administration, College of Management, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 10675, Taiwan; (Y.-M.C.); (P.T.P.)
- Research Center of Health and Welfare Policy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Nhi Thi Hong Nguyen
- Health Personnel Training Institute, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue 49120, Vietnam; (L.D.H.); (N.T.H.N.)
- School of Health Care Administration, College of Management, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 10675, Taiwan; (Y.-M.C.); (P.T.P.)
| | - Phan Thanh Phuc
- School of Health Care Administration, College of Management, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 10675, Taiwan; (Y.-M.C.); (P.T.P.)
- International Ph.D. Program in Biotech and Healthcare Management, College of Management, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 10675, Taiwan
- Department of Social Work, University Medical Center, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam
| | - Tsong-Yih Ou
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11696, Taiwan;
- Department of Nursing, Cardinal Tien Junior College of Healthcare and Management, New Taipei 23143, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Chien Huang
- School of Health Care Administration, College of Management, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 10675, Taiwan; (Y.-M.C.); (P.T.P.)
- International Ph.D. Program in Biotech and Healthcare Management, College of Management, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 10675, Taiwan
- Department of Long-Term Care and School of Gerontology Health Management, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Department and School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Quality, Taipei Municipal Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11696, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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Chen C, Wang J, Kwong J, Kim J, van Donkelaar A, Martin RV, Hystad P, Su Y, Lavigne E, Kirby-McGregor M, Kaufman JS, Benmarhnia T, Chen H. Association between long-term exposure to ambient air pollution and COVID-19 severity: a prospective cohort study. CMAJ 2022; 194:E693-E700. [PMID: 35609912 PMCID: PMC9188786 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.220068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The tremendous global health burden related to COVID-19 means that identifying determinants of COVID-19 severity is important for prevention and intervention. We aimed to explore long-term exposure to ambient air pollution as a potential contributor to COVID-19 severity, given its known impact on the respiratory system. Methods: We used a cohort of all people with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, aged 20 years and older and not residing in a long-term care facility in Ontario, Canada, during 2020. We evaluated the association between long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ground-level ozone (O3), and risk of COVID-19-related hospital admission, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and death. We ascertained individuals’ long-term exposures to each air pollutant based on their residence from 2015 to 2019. We used logistic regression and adjusted for confounders and selection bias using various individual and contextual covariates obtained through data linkage. Results: Among the 151 105 people with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in Ontario in 2020, we observed 8630 hospital admissions, 1912 ICU admissions and 2137 deaths related to COVID-19. For each interquartile range increase in exposure to PM2.5 (1.70 μg/m3), we estimated odds ratios of 1.06 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.12), 1.09 (95% CI 0.98–1.21) and 1.00 (95% CI 0.90–1.11) for hospital admission, ICU admission and death, respectively. Estimates were smaller for NO2. We also estimated odds ratios of 1.15 (95% CI 1.06–1.23), 1.30 (95% CI 1.12–1.50) and 1.18 (95% CI 1.02–1.36) per interquartile range increase of 5.14 ppb in O3 for hospital admission, ICU admission and death, respectively. Interpretation: Chronic exposure to air pollution may contribute to severe outcomes after SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly exposure to O3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography (C. Chen, Benmarhnia), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, Calif.; Public Health Ontario (Wang, Kwong, Kim, H. Chen); ICES Central (Kwong, H. Chen); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Kwong, Kim, H. Chen), and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Kwong), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Energy, Environmental, and Chemical Engineering (van Donkelaar, Martin), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Mo.; College of Public Health and Human Studies (Hystad), Oregon State University, Corvallis, Ore.; Ontario Ministry of the Environment (Su), Conservation and Parks, Toronto, Ont.; Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau (Lavigne, H. Chen), Health Canada, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Occupational Health (Kirby-McGregor, Kaufman), McGill University, Montréal, Que.
| | - John Wang
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography (C. Chen, Benmarhnia), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, Calif.; Public Health Ontario (Wang, Kwong, Kim, H. Chen); ICES Central (Kwong, H. Chen); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Kwong, Kim, H. Chen), and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Kwong), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Energy, Environmental, and Chemical Engineering (van Donkelaar, Martin), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Mo.; College of Public Health and Human Studies (Hystad), Oregon State University, Corvallis, Ore.; Ontario Ministry of the Environment (Su), Conservation and Parks, Toronto, Ont.; Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau (Lavigne, H. Chen), Health Canada, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Occupational Health (Kirby-McGregor, Kaufman), McGill University, Montréal, Que
| | - Jeff Kwong
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography (C. Chen, Benmarhnia), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, Calif.; Public Health Ontario (Wang, Kwong, Kim, H. Chen); ICES Central (Kwong, H. Chen); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Kwong, Kim, H. Chen), and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Kwong), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Energy, Environmental, and Chemical Engineering (van Donkelaar, Martin), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Mo.; College of Public Health and Human Studies (Hystad), Oregon State University, Corvallis, Ore.; Ontario Ministry of the Environment (Su), Conservation and Parks, Toronto, Ont.; Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau (Lavigne, H. Chen), Health Canada, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Occupational Health (Kirby-McGregor, Kaufman), McGill University, Montréal, Que
| | - JinHee Kim
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography (C. Chen, Benmarhnia), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, Calif.; Public Health Ontario (Wang, Kwong, Kim, H. Chen); ICES Central (Kwong, H. Chen); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Kwong, Kim, H. Chen), and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Kwong), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Energy, Environmental, and Chemical Engineering (van Donkelaar, Martin), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Mo.; College of Public Health and Human Studies (Hystad), Oregon State University, Corvallis, Ore.; Ontario Ministry of the Environment (Su), Conservation and Parks, Toronto, Ont.; Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau (Lavigne, H. Chen), Health Canada, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Occupational Health (Kirby-McGregor, Kaufman), McGill University, Montréal, Que
| | - Aaron van Donkelaar
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography (C. Chen, Benmarhnia), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, Calif.; Public Health Ontario (Wang, Kwong, Kim, H. Chen); ICES Central (Kwong, H. Chen); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Kwong, Kim, H. Chen), and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Kwong), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Energy, Environmental, and Chemical Engineering (van Donkelaar, Martin), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Mo.; College of Public Health and Human Studies (Hystad), Oregon State University, Corvallis, Ore.; Ontario Ministry of the Environment (Su), Conservation and Parks, Toronto, Ont.; Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau (Lavigne, H. Chen), Health Canada, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Occupational Health (Kirby-McGregor, Kaufman), McGill University, Montréal, Que
| | - Randall V Martin
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography (C. Chen, Benmarhnia), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, Calif.; Public Health Ontario (Wang, Kwong, Kim, H. Chen); ICES Central (Kwong, H. Chen); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Kwong, Kim, H. Chen), and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Kwong), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Energy, Environmental, and Chemical Engineering (van Donkelaar, Martin), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Mo.; College of Public Health and Human Studies (Hystad), Oregon State University, Corvallis, Ore.; Ontario Ministry of the Environment (Su), Conservation and Parks, Toronto, Ont.; Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau (Lavigne, H. Chen), Health Canada, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Occupational Health (Kirby-McGregor, Kaufman), McGill University, Montréal, Que
| | - Perry Hystad
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography (C. Chen, Benmarhnia), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, Calif.; Public Health Ontario (Wang, Kwong, Kim, H. Chen); ICES Central (Kwong, H. Chen); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Kwong, Kim, H. Chen), and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Kwong), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Energy, Environmental, and Chemical Engineering (van Donkelaar, Martin), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Mo.; College of Public Health and Human Studies (Hystad), Oregon State University, Corvallis, Ore.; Ontario Ministry of the Environment (Su), Conservation and Parks, Toronto, Ont.; Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau (Lavigne, H. Chen), Health Canada, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Occupational Health (Kirby-McGregor, Kaufman), McGill University, Montréal, Que
| | - Yushan Su
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography (C. Chen, Benmarhnia), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, Calif.; Public Health Ontario (Wang, Kwong, Kim, H. Chen); ICES Central (Kwong, H. Chen); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Kwong, Kim, H. Chen), and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Kwong), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Energy, Environmental, and Chemical Engineering (van Donkelaar, Martin), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Mo.; College of Public Health and Human Studies (Hystad), Oregon State University, Corvallis, Ore.; Ontario Ministry of the Environment (Su), Conservation and Parks, Toronto, Ont.; Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau (Lavigne, H. Chen), Health Canada, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Occupational Health (Kirby-McGregor, Kaufman), McGill University, Montréal, Que
| | - Eric Lavigne
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography (C. Chen, Benmarhnia), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, Calif.; Public Health Ontario (Wang, Kwong, Kim, H. Chen); ICES Central (Kwong, H. Chen); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Kwong, Kim, H. Chen), and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Kwong), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Energy, Environmental, and Chemical Engineering (van Donkelaar, Martin), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Mo.; College of Public Health and Human Studies (Hystad), Oregon State University, Corvallis, Ore.; Ontario Ministry of the Environment (Su), Conservation and Parks, Toronto, Ont.; Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau (Lavigne, H. Chen), Health Canada, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Occupational Health (Kirby-McGregor, Kaufman), McGill University, Montréal, Que
| | - Megan Kirby-McGregor
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography (C. Chen, Benmarhnia), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, Calif.; Public Health Ontario (Wang, Kwong, Kim, H. Chen); ICES Central (Kwong, H. Chen); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Kwong, Kim, H. Chen), and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Kwong), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Energy, Environmental, and Chemical Engineering (van Donkelaar, Martin), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Mo.; College of Public Health and Human Studies (Hystad), Oregon State University, Corvallis, Ore.; Ontario Ministry of the Environment (Su), Conservation and Parks, Toronto, Ont.; Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau (Lavigne, H. Chen), Health Canada, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Occupational Health (Kirby-McGregor, Kaufman), McGill University, Montréal, Que
| | - Jay S Kaufman
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography (C. Chen, Benmarhnia), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, Calif.; Public Health Ontario (Wang, Kwong, Kim, H. Chen); ICES Central (Kwong, H. Chen); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Kwong, Kim, H. Chen), and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Kwong), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Energy, Environmental, and Chemical Engineering (van Donkelaar, Martin), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Mo.; College of Public Health and Human Studies (Hystad), Oregon State University, Corvallis, Ore.; Ontario Ministry of the Environment (Su), Conservation and Parks, Toronto, Ont.; Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau (Lavigne, H. Chen), Health Canada, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Occupational Health (Kirby-McGregor, Kaufman), McGill University, Montréal, Que
| | - Tarik Benmarhnia
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography (C. Chen, Benmarhnia), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, Calif.; Public Health Ontario (Wang, Kwong, Kim, H. Chen); ICES Central (Kwong, H. Chen); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Kwong, Kim, H. Chen), and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Kwong), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Energy, Environmental, and Chemical Engineering (van Donkelaar, Martin), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Mo.; College of Public Health and Human Studies (Hystad), Oregon State University, Corvallis, Ore.; Ontario Ministry of the Environment (Su), Conservation and Parks, Toronto, Ont.; Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau (Lavigne, H. Chen), Health Canada, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Occupational Health (Kirby-McGregor, Kaufman), McGill University, Montréal, Que
| | - Hong Chen
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography (C. Chen, Benmarhnia), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, Calif.; Public Health Ontario (Wang, Kwong, Kim, H. Chen); ICES Central (Kwong, H. Chen); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Kwong, Kim, H. Chen), and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Kwong), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Energy, Environmental, and Chemical Engineering (van Donkelaar, Martin), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Mo.; College of Public Health and Human Studies (Hystad), Oregon State University, Corvallis, Ore.; Ontario Ministry of the Environment (Su), Conservation and Parks, Toronto, Ont.; Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau (Lavigne, H. Chen), Health Canada, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Occupational Health (Kirby-McGregor, Kaufman), McGill University, Montréal, Que.
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Impact of Inter-Annual Variation in Meteorology from 2010 to 2019 on the Inter-City Transport of PM2.5 in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14106210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Air pollution has become a great challenge to achieving sustainable development. Among the pollutants, aerosols significantly affect human health and play an important role in global climate change. The concentration of aerosols in the ambient air is influenced strongly by the regional transport of pollutants and their precursors and may vary considerably under different meteorological conditions in different years. This inter-annual variation in meteorology may yield conflicting results in the quantification of the contribution from regional transport of air pollutants. It creates uncertainty for local governments to develop pollution control measures to reduce the challenges to sustainable development. Previous studies on this issue are often year-specific or cover short time spans, and the inter-city transport of air pollutants in the long term is still not fully understood. Therefore, in this study, the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model was used to assess inter-annual variations in the contribution of inter-city transport to the PM2.5 concentration in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region from 2010 to 2019. To highlight the impact of inter-annual variations in meteorology, the authors used the same emission inventory and the same model configurations for the 10-year simulation. The major findings can be summarized as follows: (1) Both PM2.5 concentration and inter-city transport in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region were influenced by the inter-annual variation in meteorological conditions. (2) The simulated annual average concentrations in 13 cities in BTH are highly variable, with fluctuations ranging from 30.8% to 54.1%, and more evident variations were found in seasonal results. (3) Seven out of thirteen cities have a contribution from regional transport exceeding 50%, which are located in the eastern half of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region. (4) The magnitude of the regional transport contribution varies significantly among the cities of BTH, on an annual basis, from a minimum inter-annual fluctuation of 8.9% to a maximum of 37.2%, and seasonal fluctuation is even more strongly evident. These results indicate that, when formulating pollution control strategies, inter-annual changes in meteorological conditions should not be ignored.
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Broomandi P, Crape B, Jahanbakhshi A, Janatian N, Nikfal A, Tamjidi M, Kim JR, Middleton N, Karaca F. Assessment of the association between dust storms and COVID-19 infection rate in southwest Iran. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:36392-36411. [PMID: 35060047 PMCID: PMC8776378 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-18195-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
This study assesses a plausible correlation between a dust intrusion episode and a daily increase in COVID-19 cases. A surge in COVID-19 cases was observed a few days after a Middle East Dust (MED) event that peaked on 25th April 2020 in southwest Iran. To investigate potential causal factors for the spike in number of cases, cross-correlations between daily combined aerosol optical depths (AODs) and confirmed cases were computed for Khuzestan, Iran. Additionally, atmospheric stability data time series were assessed by covering before, during, and after dust intrusion, producing four statistically clustered distinct city groups. Groups 1 and 2 had different peak lag times of 10 and 4-5 days, respectively. Since there were statistically significant associations between AOD levels and confirmed cases in both groups, dust incursion may have increased population susceptibility to COVID-19 disease. Group 3 was utilized as a control group with neither a significant level of dust incursion during the episodic period nor any significant associations. Group 4 cities, which experienced high dust incursion levels, showed no significant correlation with confirmed case count increases. Random Forest Analysis assessed the influence of wind speed and AOD, showing relative importance of 0.31 and 0.23 on the daily increase percent of confirmed cases, respectively. This study may serve as a reference for better understanding and predicting factors affecting COVID-19 transmission and diffusion routes, focusing on the role of MED intrusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parya Broomandi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, 010000
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Masjed-Soleiman Branch, Islamic Azad University, Masjed-Soleiman, Iran
| | - Byron Crape
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, 010000
| | - Ali Jahanbakhshi
- Environmental Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Nasime Janatian
- Chair of Hydrobiology and Fishery, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Mahsa Tamjidi
- Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jong R Kim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, 010000.
| | - Nick Middleton
- St Anne's College, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6HS, UK
| | - Ferhat Karaca
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, 010000
- The Environment and Resource Efficiency Cluster (EREC), Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, 010000
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47
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Santurtún A, Colom ML, Fdez-Arroyabe P, Real ÁD, Fernández-Olmo I, Zarrabeitia MT. Exposure to particulate matter: Direct and indirect role in the COVID-19 pandemic. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 206:112261. [PMID: 34687752 PMCID: PMC8527737 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Knowing the transmission factors and the natural environment that favor the spread of a viral infection is crucial to stop outbreaks and develop effective preventive strategies. This work aims to evaluate the role of Particulate Matter (PM) in the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing especially on that of PM as a vector for SARS-CoV-2. Exposure to PM has been related to new cases and to the clinical severity of people infected by SARS-CoV-2, which can be explained by the oxidative stress and the inflammatory response generated by these particles when entering the respiratory system, as well as by the role of PM in the expression of ACE-2 in respiratory cells in human hosts. In addition, different authors have detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in PM sampled both in outdoor and indoor environments. The results of various studies lead to the hypothesis that the aerosols emitted by an infected person could be deposited in other suspended particles, sometimes of natural but especially of anthropogenic origin, that form the basal PM. However, the viability of the virus in PM has not yet been demonstrated. Should PM be confirmed as a vector of transmission, prevention strategies ought to be adapted, and PM sampling in outdoor environments could become an indicator of viral load in a specific area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Santurtún
- Legal Medicine and Toxicology Area, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology. Faculty of Medicine. University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain.
| | - Marina L Colom
- Legal Medicine and Toxicology Area, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology. Faculty of Medicine. University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Pablo Fdez-Arroyabe
- Geography and Planning Department, Geobiomet Research Group. University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Álvaro Del Real
- Medicine and Psychiatry Department. University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Ignacio Fernández-Olmo
- Chemical and Molecular Engineering Department. University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - María T Zarrabeitia
- Legal Medicine and Toxicology Area, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology. Faculty of Medicine. University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
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48
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Tourre YM, Paulin M, Dhonneur G, Attias D, Pathak A. COVID-19, air quality and space monitoring. GEOSPATIAL HEALTH 2022; 17. [PMID: 35385928 DOI: 10.4081/gh.2022.1052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Due to the worldwide spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), human mobility and economic activity have slowed down considerably since early 2020. A relatively high number of those infected develop serious pneumonia leading to progressive respiratory failure, system disease and often death. Apart from close human-to-human contact, the acceleration and global diffusion of this pandemic has been shown to be associated with changes in atmospheric chemistry and air pollution by microscopic particulate matter (PM). Breathing air with high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and PM can result in over-expression of the angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) leading to stress of organs, such as heart and kidneys. Satellite monitoring can play a crucial role in spatio-temporal surveillance of the disease by producing data on pollution as proxy for industrial activity, transport and traffic circulation. Real-time monitoring of COVID-19 in air and chemical pollution of the atmospheric boundary layer available from Earth-observing satellites commuting with Health Information Systems (HIS) would be useful for decision makers involved with public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves M Tourre
- Former senior scientist at Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO of Columbia University, NYC), and Engineer (Meteo-France), Toulouse.
| | - Mireille Paulin
- Program Environment, Space and Public Health, CNES, Toulouse.
| | - Gilles Dhonneur
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Curie Institute, Paris.
| | - David Attias
- Department of Pneumology, Clinique Pasteur, Toulouse.
| | - Atul Pathak
- Department of Cardiology, Princess Grace Hospital.
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Sun W, Hu X, Hu Y, Zhang G, Guo Z, Lin J, Huang J, Cai X, Dai J, Wang X, Zhang X, Bi X, Zhong N. 大气环境对SARS-CoV-2传播的影响研究进展. CHINESE SCIENCE BULLETIN-CHINESE 2022. [DOI: 10.1360/tb-2021-1228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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50
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Peng W, Kan H, Zhou L, Wang W. Residential greenness is associated with disease severity among COVID-19 patients aged over 45 years in Wuhan, China. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 232:113245. [PMID: 35093816 PMCID: PMC8786605 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Evidence regarding environmental factors associated with disease severity of COVID-19 remained scarce. This study aimed to investigate the association of residential greenness exposure with COVID-19 severity applying a retrospective cross-sectional study in Wuhan, China. We included 30,253 COVID-19 cases aged over 45 years from January 1 to February 27, 2020. Residential greenness was quantitatively assessed using normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and enhanced vegetation index (EVI). A multilevel generalized linear model using Poisson regression was implemented to analyze the association between greenness exposure and disease severity of COVID-19, after adjusting for potential covariates. A linear exposure-response relationship was found between greenness and COVID-19 severity. In the adjusted model, one 0.1 unit increase of NDVI and EVI in the 1000-m buffer radius was significantly associated with a 7.6% (95% confidence interval (CI): 4.0%, 11.1%) and 10.0% (95% CI: 5.1%, 14.7%) reduction of the prevalence of COVID-19 severity, respectively. The effect of residential greenness seemed to be more pronounced among participants with lower population density and economic levels. Air pollutants mediated 0.82~12.08% of the greenness and COVID-19 severity association, particularly to nitrogen dioxide. Sensitivity analyses suggested the robustness of the results. Our findings suggested that residential greenness exposure was beneficial to reduce the prevalence of COVID-19 severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjia Peng
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haidong Kan
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lian Zhou
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China.
| | - Weibing Wang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; IRDR-ICoE on Risk Interconnectivity and Governance on Weather/Climate Extremes Impact and Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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