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Wong WM, Wang X, Wang Y. The intersection of COVID-19 and air pollution: A systematic literature network analysis and roadmap for future research. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 237:116839. [PMID: 37611787 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
This paper employs systematic literature network analysis, including a literature review and bibliometric network analysis, to explore the COVID-19 and air pollution literature. A total of 1208 relevant documents from the Scopus database were analyzed using VOSviewer and SciMAT to examine author, keyword, and country interconnections. The paper addresses three research questions: (1) the latest studies on COVID-19 and air pollution, (2) influential authors, documents, and sources in the field, and (3) the study's findings as a roadmap for future research. Visual representations of author and country networks highlight influential entities based on citation rate. Keyword cluster analysis via VOSviewer summarizes connections based on link strength. The strategic diagram generated by SciMAT offers insights into future research directions in specific thematic keywords: (1) air pollution, (2) nitrogen dioxide, (3) epidemiology, and (4) atmospheric aerosol. This analysis enhances understanding of COVID-19 and air pollution and guides future research endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xing Wang
- Krirk University, Thailand; Shandong Agriculture and Engineering University, China
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2
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Jia H, Zang S, Zhang L, Yakovleva E, Sun H, Sun L. Spatiotemporal characteristics and socioeconomic factors of PM 2.5 heterogeneity in mainland China during the COVID-19 epidemic. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 331:138785. [PMID: 37121285 PMCID: PMC10141970 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Spatiotemporal variation of PM2.5 in 2018 and 2020 were compared to analyze the impacts of COVID-19, the spatial heterogeneity of PM2.5, and meteorological and socioeconomic impacts of PM2.5 concentrations heterogeneity in China in 2020 were investigated. The results showed that the annual average PM2.5 concentration in 2020 was 32.73 μg/m3 existing a U-shaped variation pattern, which has decreased by 6.38 μg/m3 compared to 2018. A consistent temporal pattern was found in 2018 and 2020 with significant high values in winter and low in summer. PM2.5 declined dramatically in eastern and central China, where are densely populated and economically developed areas during the COVID-19 epidemic compared with previous years, indicating that the significantly decline of social activities had an important effect on the reduction of PM2.5 concentrations. The lowest PM2.5 was found in August because that precipitation had a certain dilution effect on pollutants. January was the most polluted due to centralized coal burning for heating in North China. Overall, the PM2.5 concentrations in China were spatially agglomerated. The highly polluted contiguous zones were mainly located in northwest China and the central plains city group, while the coastal area and Inner Mongolia were areas with good air quality. Negative correlations were found between natural factors (temperature, precipitation, wind speed and relative humidity) and PM2.5 concentrations, with precipitation has the greatest impact on PM2.5, which are beneficial for reducing PM2.5 concentrations. Among the socio-economic factors, proportion of the secondary industry, number of taxis, per capita GDP, population, and industrial nitrogen oxide emissions have positive correlation effects on PM2.5, while the overall social electricity consumption, industrial sulfur dioxide emissions, green coverage in built-up areas, and total gas and liquefied gas supply have negative correlation effects on the PM2.5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjie Jia
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Geographical Environment Monitoring and Spatial Information Service in Cold Regions, Harbin Normal University, Harbin, 150025, China
| | - Shuying Zang
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Geographical Environment Monitoring and Spatial Information Service in Cold Regions, Harbin Normal University, Harbin, 150025, China; Heilongjiang Province Collaborative Innovation Center of Cold Region Ecological Safety, Harbin, 150025, China
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Geographical Environment Monitoring and Spatial Information Service in Cold Regions, Harbin Normal University, Harbin, 150025, China; Heilongjiang Province Collaborative Innovation Center of Cold Region Ecological Safety, Harbin, 150025, China
| | - Evgenia Yakovleva
- Institute of Biology of Komi Science Centre of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 28 Kommunisticheskaya St., Syktyvkar, Komi Republic, 167982, Russian Federation
| | - Huajie Sun
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Geographical Environment Monitoring and Spatial Information Service in Cold Regions, Harbin Normal University, Harbin, 150025, China.
| | - Li Sun
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Geographical Environment Monitoring and Spatial Information Service in Cold Regions, Harbin Normal University, Harbin, 150025, China; Heilongjiang Province Collaborative Innovation Center of Cold Region Ecological Safety, Harbin, 150025, China.
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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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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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Di Ciaula A, Moshammer H, Lauriola P, Portincasa P. Environmental health, COVID-19, and the syndemic: internal medicine facing the challenge. Intern Emerg Med 2022; 17:2187-2198. [PMID: 36181580 PMCID: PMC9525944 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-022-03107-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Internists are experts in complexity, and the COVID-19 pandemic is disclosing complex and unexpected interactions between communicable and non-communicable diseases, environmental factors, and socio-economic disparities. The medicine of complexity cannot be limited to facing comorbidities and to the clinical management of multifaceted diseases. Evidence indicates how climate change, pollution, demographic unbalance, and inequalities can affect the spreading and outcomes of COVID-19 in vulnerable communities. These elements cannot be neglected, and a wide view of public health aspects by a "one-health" approach is strongly and urgently recommended. According to World Health Organization, 35% of infectious diseases involving the lower respiratory tract depend on environmental factors, and infections from SARS-Cov-2 is not an exception. Furthermore, environmental pollution generates a large burden of non-communicable diseases and disabilities, increasing the individual vulnerability to COVID-19 and the chance for the resilience of large communities worldwide. In this field, the awareness of internists must increase, as privileged healthcare providers. They need to gain a comprehensive knowledge of elements characterizing COVID-19 as part of a syndemic. This is the case when pandemic events hit vulnerable populations suffering from the increasing burden of chronic diseases, disabilities, and social and economic inequalities. Mastering the interplay of such events requires a change in overall strategy, to adequately manage not only the SARS-CoV-2 infection but also the growing burden of non-communicable diseases by a "one health" approach. In this context, experts in internal medicine have the knowledge and skills to drive this change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agostino Di Ciaula
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
- International Society of Doctors for Environment (ISDE), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Hanns Moshammer
- International Society of Doctors for Environment (ISDE), Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Hygiene, Medical University of Karakalpakstan, Nukus, Uzbekistan 230100
| | - Paolo Lauriola
- International Society of Doctors for Environment (ISDE), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
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Karimi B, Moradzadeh R, Samadi S. Air pollution and COVID-19 mortality and hospitalization: An ecological study in Iran. ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION RESEARCH 2022; 13:101463. [PMID: 35664828 PMCID: PMC9154086 DOI: 10.1016/j.apr.2022.101463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to air pollution can exacerbate the severe COVID-19 conditions, subsequently causing an increase in the death rate. In this study, we investigated the association between long-term exposure to air pollution and risks of COVID-19 hospitalization and mortality in Arak, Iran. Air pollution data was obtained from air quality monitoring stations located in Arak, including particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3) and carbon monoxide (CO). Daily numbers of Covid-19 cases including hospital admissions (hospitalization) and deaths (mortality) were obtained from a national data registry recorded by Arak University of Medical Sciences. A Poisson regression model with natural spline functions was applied to set the effects of air pollution on COVID-19 hospitalization and mortality. The percent change of COVID-19 hospitalization per 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 and PM10 were 8.5% (95% CI 7.6 to 11.5) and 4.8% (95% CI 3 to 6.5), respectively. An increase of 10 μg/m3 in PM2.5 resulting in 5.6% (95% CI: 3.1-8.3%) increase in COVID-19 mortality. The percent change of hospitalization (7.7%, 95% CI 2.2 to 13.3) and mortality (4.5%, 95% CI 0.3 to 9.5) were positively significant per one ppb increment in SO2, while NO2, O3 and CO were inversely associated with hospitalization and mortality. Our findings strongly suggesting that a small increase in long-term exposure to PM2.5, PM10 and SO2 elevating risks of hospitalization and mortality related to COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behrooz Karimi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Health Faculty, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Rahmatollah Moradzadeh
- Department of Epidemiology, Health Faculty, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Sadegh Samadi
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, Health Faculty, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
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Xu S, Liu Q, Lu X. Shock effect of COVID-19 infection on environmental quality and economic development in China: causal linkages (Health Economic Evaluation). ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY 2022; 24:9102-9117. [PMID: 34539229 PMCID: PMC8441028 DOI: 10.1007/s10668-021-01814-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Since coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first reported on December 2019 in Wuhan, it fast spread to the rest of China, which has turned into a global public health problem later and generated global stock markets to violently shake. We inspect the causal relationships between economic development (ED) and environmental quality (EQ) during the period from January 2019 to May 2020 with the structural break for China and investigate the causal linkages between ED and EQ in subgroup of before and after the outbreak of COVID-19 with a semi-parametric model. The empirical tests show that smoothing structural transforms matter for the linkages of causality between ED and EQ, especially after COVID-19 infection. While the Toda-Yamamoto causality analysis supports unidirectional causality between ED and EQ before the outbreak of COVID-19, under structural shifts by the causality supplies of bidirectional casual linkages after the outbreak of COVID-19. Our results further clarified the proof that the economic activity gives rise to the environmental pollution and energy utilization mainly via the shock of COVID-19 in China. The emphasis on nonlinear causality between economic development and environmental quality may be an opportunity for China's economic recovery under considering the factor of COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengxia Xu
- School of Statistics, Capital University of Economics and Business, Beijing, 100070 China
| | - Qiang Liu
- School of Statistics, Capital University of Economics and Business, Beijing, 100070 China
| | - Xiaoli Lu
- Institute of Fundamental and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Beijing Union University, Beijing, 100101 China
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Huang H, Lin C, Liu X, Zhu L, Avellán-Llaguno RD, Lazo MML, Ai X, Huang Q. The impact of air pollution on COVID-19 pandemic varied within different cities in South America using different models. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:543-552. [PMID: 34331646 PMCID: PMC8325399 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15508-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
There is a rising concern that air pollution plays an important role in the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the results were not consistent on the association between air pollution and the spread of COVID-19. In the study, air pollution data and the confirmed cases of COVID-19 were both gathered from five severe cities across three countries in South America. Daily real-time population regeneration (Rt) was calculated to assess the spread of COVID-19. Two frequently used models, generalized additive models (GAM) and multiple linear regression, were both used to explore the impact of environmental pollutants on the epidemic. Wide ranges of all six air pollutants were detected across the five cities. Spearman's correlation analysis confirmed the positive correlation within six pollutants. Rt value showed a gradual decline in all the five cities. Further analysis showed that the association between air pollution and COVID-19 varied across five cities. According to our research results, even for the same region, varied models gave inconsistent results. For example, in Sao Paulo, both models show SO2 and O3 are significant independent variables, however, the GAM model shows that PM10 has a nonlinear negative correlation with Rt, while PM10 has no significant correlation in the multiple linear model. Moreover, in the case of multiple regions, currently used models should be selected according to local conditions. Our results indicate that there is a significant relationship between air pollution and COVID-19 infection, which will help states, health practitioners, and policy makers in combating the COVID-19 pandemic in South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haining Huang
- Center for Excellence in Regional Atmospheric Environment, Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Congtian Lin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservational Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Xiaobo Liu
- Center for Excellence in Regional Atmospheric Environment, Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Liting Zhu
- Center for Excellence in Regional Atmospheric Environment, Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Ricardo David Avellán-Llaguno
- Center for Excellence in Regional Atmospheric Environment, Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | | | - Xiaoyan Ai
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Birth Defect for Prevention and Control, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, 318 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, PR China.
| | - Qiansheng Huang
- Center for Excellence in Regional Atmospheric Environment, Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China.
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Liu W, Shao W, Wang Q. Does Fear of the New Coronavirus Lead to Low-Carbon Behaviors: The Moderating Effect of Outcome Framing. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:4185-4197. [PMID: 34675713 PMCID: PMC8504551 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s320241] [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: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Air pollution has been found to aggravate the infection and mortality of COVID-19, leading to increasing attention on pro-environmental behaviors. Considering individuals' psychological distance from COVID-19, this research aims to examine the relationship between fear of COVID-19, air pollution concern, and low-carbon behaviors. METHODS Two survey-based studies were conducted in this research. Study 1 consisted of 323 participants and examined the relationships between psychological distance (PD) from COVID-19, fear of COVID-19, air pollution concern, and low-carbon behaviors. Study 2 identified the moderating effect of outcome framing using an intergroup experiment in which 304 participants were randomly assigned to two groups (gain framing vs loss framing). RESULTS The results of Study 1 showed that the closer the PD was, the higher the fear was. Fear of COVID-19 and low-carbon behaviors were positively associated. Additionally, air pollution concern acted as a mediator in their relationship. The results of the moderating effect test in Study 2 showed that fear and air pollution concern led to higher low-carbon behavioral intention within gain framing than within loss framing. CONCLUSION This research revealed that personal fear of public health emergencies will lead to environmental pollution concern and pro-environmental behaviors, and information from the outside plays a moderating role. The results provide implications for policy advocacy of the health and environmental sectors and for guiding people's low-carbon behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlong Liu
- School of Management, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- College of Economics and Management, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wen Shao
- School of Economics & Management, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qunwei Wang
- College of Economics and Management, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
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Curtis L. PM 2.5, NO 2, wildfires, and other environmental exposures are linked to higher Covid 19 incidence, severity, and death rates. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:54429-54447. [PMID: 34410599 PMCID: PMC8374108 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15556-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies have linked outdoor levels of PM2.5, PM10, NO2, O3, SO2, and other air pollutants to significantly higher rates of Covid 19 morbidity and mortality, although the rate in which specific concentrations of pollutants increase Covid 19 morbidity and mortality varies widely by specific country and study. As little as a 1-μg/m3 increase in outdoor PM2.5 is estimated to increase rates of Covid 19 by as much as 0.22 to 8%. Two California studies have strongly linked heavy wildfire burning periods with significantly higher outdoor levels of PM2.5 and CO as well as significantly higher rates of Covid 19 cases and deaths. Active smoking has also been strongly linked significantly increased risk of Covid 19 severity and death. Other exposures possibly related to greater risk of Covid 19 morbidity and mortality include incense, pesticides, heavy metals, dust/sand, toxic waste sites, and volcanic emissions. The exact mechanisms in which air pollutants increase Covid 19 infections are not fully understood, but are probably related to pollutant-related oxidation and inflammation of the lungs and other tissues and to the pollutant-driven alternation of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in respiratory and other cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Curtis
- East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 5371 Knollwood Parkway Court #F, Hazelwood, MO, 63042, USA.
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Zhao C, Fang X, Feng Y, Fang X, He J, Pan H. Emerging role of air pollution and meteorological parameters in COVID-19. J Evid Based Med 2021; 14:123-138. [PMID: 34003571 PMCID: PMC8207011 DOI: 10.1111/jebm.12430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to air pollutants has been associated with respiratory viral infections. Epidemiological studies have shown that air pollution exposure is related to increased cases of SARS-COV-2 infection and COVID-19-associated mortality. In addition, the changes of meteorological parameters have also been implicated in the occurrence and development of COVID-19. However, the molecular mechanisms by which pollutant exposure and changes of meteorological parameters affects COVID-19 remains unknown. This review summarizes the biology of COVID-19 and the route of viral transmission, and elaborates on the relationship between air pollution and climate indicators and COVID-19. Finally, we envisaged the potential roles of air pollution and meteorological parameters in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Channa Zhao
- Anhui Provincial Tuberculosis InstituteHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Xinyu Fang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public HealthAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiAnhuiChina
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Yating Feng
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public HealthAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiAnhuiChina
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Xuehui Fang
- Anhui Provincial Tuberculosis InstituteHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Jun He
- Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and PreventionHefeiChina
- Key Laboratory for Medical and Health of the 13th Five‐Year PlanHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Haifeng Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public HealthAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiAnhuiChina
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceHefeiAnhuiChina
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