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Farrokhi M, Khankeh H, Saatchi M, Hadinejad Z, Ahmadi-Mazhin S, Mohsenzadeh Y, Mehraein Nazdik Z, Shojafard J, Pourvakhshoori N, Ahmadi S. The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Environmental Health (Two Sides of the Same Coin): A Systematic Review. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2023; 17:e499. [PMID: 37781756 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2023.139] [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] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2019 has led to many changes such as reduced human activities and effects on the environment. There is no big picture of the effects of pandemics on the environment using related evidence. OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on environmental health. METHODS A systematic search of English language studies was performed in major electronic databases; Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google scholar web search engine from December 2019 to February 2022. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standard guidelines were used to follow up the review process. finally 58 articles entered the review procedure. RESULTS The results of indicate a significant reduction of air pollutants and improved air quality. It improved the water quality of some rivers, canals, and seas during the lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic. The effects of this disease on the environment cannot be fully described yet. CONCLUSION In the short term, the amount of air, water, and coastal pollution has been reduced. few studies have examined the effects of pandemics on the environment in the long run, which paves the way for more researches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Farrokhi
- Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, Social Health Research Institute, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Khankeh
- Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, Social Health Research Institute, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mohammad Saatchi
- Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, Social Health Research Institute, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zoya Hadinejad
- Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, Social Health Research Institute, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Education and Research, Emergency Medical Sciences, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Sadegh Ahmadi-Mazhin
- Department of Public Health, School of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Yazdan Mohsenzadeh
- Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, Social Health Research Institute, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Nurse Sciences, Faculty of Emergency Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Zahra Mehraein Nazdik
- Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, Social Health Research Institute, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Shojafard
- Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, Social Health Research Institute, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Pourvakhshoori
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Shokoufeh Ahmadi
- Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, Social Health Research Institute, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Urso P, Cattaneo A, Pulvirenti S, Vercelli F, Cavallo DM, Carrer P. Early-phase pandemic in Italy: Covid-19 spread determinant factors. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15358. [PMID: 37041936 PMCID: PMC10079324 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15358] [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: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the Covid-19 pandemic is still ongoing, the environmental factors beyond virus transmission are only partially known. This statistical study has the aim to identify the key factors that have affected the virus spread during the early phase of pandemic in Italy, among a wide set of potential determinants concerning demographics, environmental pollution and climate. Because of its heterogeneity in pollution levels and climate conditions, Italy provides an ideal scenario for an ecological study. Moreover, the selected period excludes important confounding factors, as different virus variants, restriction policies or vaccines. The short-term relationship between the infection maximum increase and demographic, pollution and meteo-climatic parameters was investigated, including both winter-spring and summer 2020 data, also focusing separately on the two seasonal periods and on North vs Centre-South. Among main results, the importance of population size confirmed social distancing as a key management option. The pollution hazardous role undoubtedly emerged, as NO2 affected infection increase in all the studied scenarios, PM2.5 manifested its impact in North of Italy, while O3 always showed a protective action. Whereas higher temperatures were beneficial, especially in the cold season with also wind and relative humidity, solar irradiance was always relevant, revealing several significant interactions with other co-factors. Presented findings address the importance of the environment in Sars-CoV-2 spread and indicated that special carefulness should be taken in crowded areas, especially if they are highly polluted and weakly exposed to sun. The results suggest that containment of future epidemics similar to Covid-19 could be supported by reducing environmental pollution, achieving safer social habits and promoting preventive health care for better immune system response, as an only comprehensive strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Urso
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Hospital 'L. Sacco', University of Milan, Milano, Italy
- Department of Radiotherapy, Clinica Luganese Moncucco SA, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Cattaneo
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Como, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pulvirenti
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Hospital 'L. Sacco', University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - Franco Vercelli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Hospital 'L. Sacco', University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Carrer
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Hospital 'L. Sacco', University of Milan, Milano, Italy
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Urban Air Pollution and Greenness in Relation to Public Health. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 2023:8516622. [PMID: 36755782 PMCID: PMC9902165 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8516622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Air pollution is the result of economic growth and urbanization. Air pollution has been progressively recognized as a serious problem for cities, through widespread effects on health and well-being. There is less concern from stakeholders about greenness and air pollution mitigating factors in an urban area. This research targeted to indicate the spatial dissemination of greenery, air quality levels (PM2.5, PM10, CO2, and AQI), and exposure to air quality-related health risks for the people in the urban area. Method The data were collected by measuring air quality at transportation stations and manufacturing industries with Air visual pro, then observing and mapping greenness in the city within the administrative boundary by GIS (street greenery, forest, availability of greenness in the manufacturing industry), and lastly questionnaire and interview were employed for air quality-related health issues. Then, the air quality data were analyzed by using USAQI standards and health messages. Both quantitative and qualitative research approach had employed to explore air pollution levels, availability of greenness, and air quality-related health issues. Moreover, Health questionnaires and greenness were correlated with air quality levels by a simple linear regression model. Result The result indicated that there was unhealthy air quality in the transportation and manufacturing industries. The measured air quality showed in a range of 50.13-96.84 μg/m3 of PM2.5, 645-1764 ppm of CO2, and 137-179 Air quality index (AQI). The highest mean of PM2.5 and air quality concentrations at Addis Ababa transportation stations and manufacturing sites ranged between 63.46 and 104.45 μg/m3 and 179-326, respectively. It was observed with less street greenery and greenness available in residential, commercial areas, and manufacturing industries. The pollution level was beyond the limit of WHO standards. The result has shown a health risk to the public in the city, particularly for drivers, street vendors, and manufacturing industry employees. Among 480 respondents, 57.92% experienced health risks due to air pollution by medical evidence. Conclusion High health risks due to industries and old motor vehicles in the city need to be reduced by introducing policies and strategies for low-carbon, minimizing traveling distance, encouraging high occupancy vehicles, and promoting a green legacy in the street network and green building.
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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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Al Huraimel K, Alhosani M, Gopalani H, Kunhabdulla S, Stietiya MH. Elucidating the role of environmental management of forests, air quality, solid waste and wastewater on the dissemination of SARS-CoV-2. HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ADVANCES 2022; 3:100006. [PMID: 37519421 PMCID: PMC9095661 DOI: 10.1016/j.heha.2022.100006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The increasing frequency of zoonotic diseases is amongst several catastrophic repercussions of inadequate environmental management. Emergence, prevalence, and lethality of zoonotic diseases is intrinsically linked to environmental management which are currently at a destructive level globally. The effects of these links are complicated and interdependent, creating an urgent need of elucidating the role of environmental mismanagement to improve our resilience to future pandemics. This review focused on the pertinent role of forests, outdoor air, indoor air, solid waste and wastewater management in COVID-19 dissemination to analyze the opportunities prevailing to control infectious diseases considering relevant data from previous disease outbreaks. Global forest management is currently detrimental and hotspots of forest fragmentation have demonstrated to result in zoonotic disease emergences. Deforestation is reported to increase susceptibility to COVID-19 due to wildfire induced pollution and loss of forest ecosystem services. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 like viruses in multiple animal species also point to the impacts of biodiversity loss and forest fragmentation in relation to COVID-19. Available literature on air quality and COVID-19 have provided insights into the potential of air pollutants acting as plausible virus carrier and aggravating immune responses and expression of ACE2 receptors. SARS-CoV-2 is detected in outdoor air, indoor air, solid waste, wastewater and shown to prevail on solid surfaces and aerosols for prolonged hours. Furthermore, lack of protection measures and safe disposal options in waste management are evoking concerns especially in underdeveloped countries due to high infectivity of SARS-CoV-2. Inadequate legal framework and non-adherence to environmental regulations were observed to aggravate the postulated risks and vulnerability to future waves of pandemics. Our understanding underlines the urgent need to reinforce the fragile status of global environmental management systems through the development of strict legislative frameworks and enforcement by providing institutional, financial and technical supports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Al Huraimel
- Division of Consultancy, Research & Innovation (CRI), Sharjah Environment Company - Bee'ah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed Alhosani
- Division of Consultancy, Research & Innovation (CRI), Sharjah Environment Company - Bee'ah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hetasha Gopalani
- Division of Consultancy, Research & Innovation (CRI), Sharjah Environment Company - Bee'ah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shabana Kunhabdulla
- Division of Consultancy, Research & Innovation (CRI), Sharjah Environment Company - Bee'ah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammed Hashem Stietiya
- Division of Consultancy, Research & Innovation (CRI), Sharjah Environment Company - Bee'ah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Saha P, Gulshan J. Systematic Assessment of COVID-19 Pandemic in Bangladesh: Effectiveness of Preparedness in the First Wave. Front Public Health 2021; 9:628931. [PMID: 34746068 PMCID: PMC8567082 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.628931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: To develop an effective countermeasure and determine our susceptibilities to the outbreak of COVID-19 is challenging for a densely populated developing country like Bangladesh and a systematic review of the disease on a continuous basis is necessary. Methods: Publicly available and globally acclaimed datasets (4 March 2020-30 September 2020) from IEDCR, Bangladesh, JHU, and ECDC database are used for this study. Visual exploratory data analysis is used and we fitted a polynomial model for the number of deaths. A comparison of Bangladesh scenario over different time points as well as with global perspectives is made. Results: In Bangladesh, the number of active cases had decreased, after reaching a peak, with a constant pattern of death rate at from July to the end of September, 2020. Seventy-one percent of the cases and 77% of the deceased were males. People aged between 21 and 40 years were most vulnerable to the coronavirus and most of the fatalities (51.49%) were in the 60+ population. A strong positive correlation (0.93) between the number of tests and confirmed cases and a constant incidence rate (around 21%) from June 1 to August 31, 2020 was observed. The case fatality ratio was between 1 and 2. The number of cases and the number of deaths in Bangladesh were much lower compared to other countries. Conclusions: This study will help to understand the patterns of spread and transition in Bangladesh, possible measures, effectiveness of the preparedness, implementation gaps, and their consequences to gather vital information and prevent future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priom Saha
- Institute of Statistical Research and Training, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Jahida Gulshan
- Institute of Statistical Research and Training, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Wang Q, Huang R. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on sustainable development goals - A survey. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 202:111637. [PMID: 34233155 PMCID: PMC8566018 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic is the biggest challenge facing humanity after the 1918 Flu pandemic. The pandemic also poses a massive challenge to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Meeting this challenge requires a comprehensive investigation of the impact of the pandemic on sustainability. In this work, publications related to the impact of COVID-19 on sustainability in the Web of Science database were explored systematically by using bibliometrics techniques and meta-analysis approach. The results show the research scope is extensive, covering many subjects, whereas the research depth is not enough. Research in developed countries is dominant, although the pandemic poses more significant challenges to the sustainable development of developing countries than of developed countries. Developed countries are committed to studying education sustainability, while developing countries have shown greater attention to economic sustainability during the epidemic. The cluster analysis also shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought negative effects on 17 SDGs goals, whereas the pandemic may also bring opportunities to another 14 SDGs goals. At the end of the article, we put forward relevant suggestions for achieving sustainable development goals in the post-epidemic era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wang
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580, People's Republic of China; Institute for Energy Economics and Policy, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580, People's Republic of China.
| | - Rui Huang
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580, People's Republic of China; Institute for Energy Economics and Policy, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580, People's Republic of China
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Yu H, Ye X, Zhang M, Zhang F, Li Y, Pan S, Li Y, Yu H, Lu C. Study of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in urban environment by questionnaire and modeling for sustainable risk control. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 420:126621. [PMID: 34274804 PMCID: PMC8270745 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126621] [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: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Caused by SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 has become a severe threaten to society and human health, its epidemic control emerges as long-term issue. A sustainable epidemic and environmental transmission risk control (SEERC) in urban area is urgently needed. This work aims to conduct a new investigation on the transmission risk of SARS-COV-2 as virus/hazardous material through various environmental medias, routes and regions in the entirely urban area for guiding the SEERC. Specifically, 5 routes in 28 regions (totally 140 scenarios) are considered. For a new perspective, the risk evaluation is conducted by the quantification of frontline medicals staffs' valuable experience in this work. 207 specialists responsible for the treatment of over 9000 infected patients are involved. The result showed that degree of risk was in the order of breath>contact-to-object>contact-to-human>intake>unknown. The modeling suggested source control as the prior measure for epidemic control. The combination of source control & mask wearing showed high efficiency in SEERC. The homeworking policy needed to cooperate with activity limitation to perform its efficiency. Subsequently, a new plan for SEERC was discussed. This work delivered significant information to researchers and decision makers for the further development of sustainable control for SARS-COV-2 spreading and COVID-19 epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Yu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, PR China; Division of Water Resources Engineering, Lund University, Lund 22100, Sweden
| | - Xuying Ye
- Department of Cardiology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin 300190, PR China
| | - Minying Zhang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - Fenghao Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, PR China
| | - Yao Li
- School of Economics and Management, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300387, PR China
| | - Suxun Pan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, PR China.
| | - Yuanling Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, PR China.
| | - Hongbing Yu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, PR China.
| | - Chengzhi Lu
- Department of Cardiology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin 300190, PR China
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Kang Q, Song X, Xin X, Chen B, Chen Y, Ye X, Zhang B. Machine Learning-Aided Causal Inference Framework for Environmental Data Analysis: A COVID-19 Case Study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:13400-13410. [PMID: 34559516 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c02204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Links between environmental conditions (e.g., meteorological factors and air quality) and COVID-19 severity have been reported worldwide. However, the existing frameworks of data analysis are insufficient or inefficient to investigate the potential causality behind the associations involving multidimensional factors and complicated interrelationships. Thus, a causal inference framework equipped with the structural causal model aided by machine learning methods was proposed and applied to examine the potential causal relationships between COVID-19 severity and 10 environmental factors (NO2, O3, PM2.5, PM10, SO2, CO, average air temperature, atmospheric pressure, relative humidity, and wind speed) in 166 Chinese cities. The cities were grouped into three clusters based on the socio-economic features. Time-series data from these cities in each cluster were analyzed in different pandemic phases. The robustness check refuted most potential causal relationships' estimations (89 out of 90). Only one potential relationship about air temperature passed the final test with a causal effect of 0.041 under a specific cluster-phase condition. The results indicate that the environmental factors are unlikely to cause noticeable aggravation of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study also demonstrated the high value and potential of the proposed method in investigating causal problems with observational data in environmental or other fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Kang
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's A1B 3X5, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Xing Song
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's A1B 3X5, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Xiaying Xin
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's A1B 3X5, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Bing Chen
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's A1B 3X5, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Yuanzhu Chen
- School of Computing, Queen's University, Kingston K7L 2N8, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xudong Ye
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's A1B 3X5, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Baiyu Zhang
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's A1B 3X5, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
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Chen H, Shi L, Zhang Y, Wang X, Jiao J, Yang M, Sun G. Comparison of Public Health Containment Measures of COVID-19 in China and India. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:3323-3332. [PMID: 34408516 PMCID: PMC8367213 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s326775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to make a comparative analysis of the public health containment measures between China and India, explore the causes of the serious COVID-19 epidemic in India, and eventually to improve global infectious disease control. Methods We extracted publicly available data from official websites, summarized the containment measures implemented in China and India, and assessed their effectiveness. Results China has responded to the COVID-19 outbreak with strict public health containment measures, including lockdown of Wuhan city, active case tracing, and large-scale testing, ultimately preventing a large increase in daily new cases and maintaining a low mortality rate per million population (as of May 5, 2021, daily new cases were 11 and mortality rate per million population was 3.37). India, although imposing a national lockdown to control the pandemic, has not implemented strict testing, tracking, and quarantine measures due to the overburdened healthcare system. Combined with massive lockdown, it has accelerated human mobility and exacerbated the epidemic, resulting in a rapid increase in daily new cases and a high mortality rate per million population (as of May 5, 2021, daily new cases were 412,431 and mortality rate per million population was 166.79). Conclusion China and India implemented public health containment measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic based on their national situations. Meanwhile, daily new cases and mortality of COVID-19 also were affected by environmental and socioeconomic. Countries make a comprehensive strategy not only in terms of the biological, pharmaceutical, health, and sanitation sectors but also based on sustainability science and environmental science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiqian Chen
- Department of Health Management, School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Leiyu Shi
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Yuyao Zhang
- Department of Health Management, School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohan Wang
- Department of Health Management, School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Jiao
- Department of Health Management, School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Manfei Yang
- Department of Health Management, School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Sun
- Department of Health Management, School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People's Republic of China
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Vinceti M, Filippini T, Rothman KJ, Di Federico S, Orsini N. SARS-CoV-2 infection incidence during the first and second COVID-19 waves in Italy. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 197:111097. [PMID: 33811866 PMCID: PMC8012166 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
We assessed the relation between COVID-19 waves in Italy, which was severely affected during the pandemic. We evaluated the hypothesis that a larger impact from the first wave (February-May 2020) predicts a smaller peak during the second wave (September-October 2020), in the absence of local changes in public health interventions and area-specific differences in time trends of environmental parameters. Based on publicly available data on province-specific SARS-CoV-2 infections and both crude and multivariable cubic spline regression models, we found that for provinces with the lowest incidence rates in the first wave, the incidence in the second wave increased roughly in proportion with the incidence in the first wave until an incidence of about 500-600 cases/100,000 in the first wave. Above that value, provinces with higher incidences in the first wave experienced lower incidences in the second wave. It appears that a comparatively high cumulative incidence of infection, even if far below theoretical thresholds required for herd immunity, may provide noticeable protection during the second wave. We speculate that, if real, the mechanism for this pattern could be depletion of most susceptible individuals and of superspreaders in the first wave. A population learning effect regarding cautious behavior could have also contributed. Since no area-specific variation of the national policy against the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak was allowed until early November 2020, neither individual behaviors nor established or purported environmental risk factors of COVID-19, such as air pollution and meteorological factors, are likely to have confounded the inverse trends we observed in infection incidence over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Vinceti
- Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center (CREAGEN), Section of Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, US.
| | - Tommaso Filippini
- Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center (CREAGEN), Section of Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Kenneth J Rothman
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, US; RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Park, NC, US
| | - Silvia Di Federico
- Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center (CREAGEN), Section of Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Nicola Orsini
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Jaafar H, Abd Laziz NA, Ithnin M, Azzeri A. Assessing the Impact of Out-of-Pocket Expenditures for Prevention of COVID-19 Infection on Households: Evidence From Malaysia. INQUIRY : A JOURNAL OF MEDICAL CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION AND FINANCING 2021; 58:469580211062402. [PMID: 34929109 PMCID: PMC8725031 DOI: 10.1177/00469580211062402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 infection resulted in significant economic implications to patients as well as a considerable financial burden to the general population for preventive measures. A descriptive study was conducted among staff at one of the public universities in Malaysia to estimate the monthly out-of-pocket expenditures for preventive measures used for COVID-19 infection. The study tool includes questions on household out-of-pocket expenditure and the measurements of the impact of the expenditure on household income. It was found that the average cumulative monthly expenditures related to the preventive measures were US$ 45.90 (Ringgit Malaysia 187.77), which was 4.3% of the household income. The highest expenditures were for traditional and complementary medicine followed by nutraceutical/supplements and disposable facemask. 8% of the households in this study incurred more than ten per cents of their monthly household income for expenditures related to COVID-19 preventive measures. Several households are experiencing substantial financial implications for preventive measures related to COVID-19 infection. This study highlights the out-of-pocket expenditures incurred for preventive measures were substantial for certain households. Effective initiatives from the government on providing subsidized protective personal equipment and a cost-sharing approach could help to alleviate the household financial burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafiz Jaafar
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai, Malaysia
| | - Nur Amalina Abd Laziz
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai, Malaysia
| | - Muslimah Ithnin
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai, Malaysia
| | - Amirah Azzeri
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai, Malaysia
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