scholarly journals The effects of social isolation and the COVID-19 pandemic on air quality around the world

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Renata Lopes Duarte ◽  
Cláudio Paiva Silva ◽  
Cézar Henrique Barra Rocha
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Air Pollutants ◽  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
New Disease ◽  
Virus Variant ◽  
Research Institutes ◽  
The World ◽  
Main Effects ◽  
Different Parts

In December 2019, a new virus variant was discovered in China, belonging to the coronavirus family, whose associated respiratory syndrome became known as COVID-19. Due to the ease of transmission, lethality and lack of knowledge about this new disease, several countries chose to adopt measures of social distancing, in addition to restrictions on travel and the performance of activities considered non-essential. Thus, the present study aimed to carry out a bibliographic survey about the main effects of social isolation on air quality, in some regions around the world, through consultation of scientific articles, national and international research institutes, as well such as satellite imagery. The results showed that the effects of these measurements were observed on air quality in different parts of the world, with a reduction in the levels of some of the main air pollutants, such as NO2, CO2, CO and particulate matter. In contrast, some studies showed that the concentration of O3 increased in certain regions. It was possible to conclude that the improvements observed were temporary, as they did not result from structural measures, but from transitory situations; and that the adoption of public policies to restrict the emission of pollutants is essential to reduce the incidence and aggravation of associated respiratory diseases, avoiding the overload of health systems, especially in the current pandemic scenario.  

scholarly journals Highlighting the compound risk of COVID-19 and environmental pollutants using geospatial technology

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ram Kumar Singh ◽  
Martin Drews ◽  
Manuel De la Sen ◽  
Prashant Kumar Srivastava ◽  
Bambang H. Trisasongko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Environmental Pollutants ◽  
Atmospheric Pollutants ◽  
Geospatial Technology ◽  
The World ◽  
Community Transmission ◽  
Global Threat

AbstractThe new COVID-19 coronavirus disease has emerged as a global threat and not just to human health but also the global economy. Due to the pandemic, most countries affected have therefore imposed periods of full or partial lockdowns to restrict community transmission. This has had the welcome but unexpected side effect that existing levels of atmospheric pollutants, particularly in cities, have temporarily declined. As found by several authors, air quality can inherently exacerbate the risks linked to respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. In this study, we explore patterns of air pollution for ten of the most affected countries in the world, in the context of the 2020 development of the COVID-19 pandemic. We find that the concentrations of some of the principal atmospheric pollutants were temporarily reduced during the extensive lockdowns in the spring. Secondly, we show that the seasonality of the atmospheric pollutants is not significantly affected by these temporary changes, indicating that observed variations in COVID-19 conditions are likely to be linked to air quality. On this background, we confirm that air pollution may be a good predictor for the local and national severity of COVID-19 infections.

scholarly journals Quantifying the Health Benefits of Urban Climate Mitigation Actions: Current State of the Epidemiological Evidence and Application in Health Impact Assessments

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria D. Castillo ◽  
Susan C. Anenberg ◽  
Zoe A. Chafe ◽  
Rachel Huxley ◽  
Lauren S. Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Air Pollutants ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Health Improvement ◽  
Current State ◽  
The World ◽  
Climate Action ◽  
Health Impact Assessments

While ambitious carbon reduction policies are needed to avoid dangerous levels of climate change, the costs of these policies can be balanced by wide ranging health benefits for local communities. Cities, responsible for ~70% of the world's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and home to a growing majority of the world's population, offer enormous opportunities for both climate action and health improvement. We aim to review the current state of knowledge on key pathways leading from carbon mitigation to human health benefits, and to evaluate our current ability to quantify health benefits for cities around the world. For example, because GHGs and air pollutants are both released during fuel combustion, reducing fuel burning can reduce both GHGs and air pollutants, leading to direct health benefits. Air quality improvements may be particularly important for city-scale climate action planning because the benefits occur locally and relatively immediately, compared with the global and long-term (typically, decades to centuries) benefits for the climate system. In addition to improved air quality, actions that promote active transport in cities via improved cycling and pedestrian infrastructure can reap large cardiovascular health benefits via increased physical activity. Exposure to green space has been associated with beneficial health outcomes in a growing number of epidemiological studies and meta-analyses conducted around the world. Finally, noise is an underappreciated environmental risk factor in cities which can be addressed through actions to reduce motor vehicle traffic and other noise sources. All of these environmental health pathways are supported by well-conducted epidemiological studies in multiple locales, providing quantitative exposure–response data that can be used as inputs to health impact assessments (HIAs). However, most epidemiologic evidence derives from studies in high-income countries. It is unclear to what extent such evidence is directly transferable for policies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This gap calls for a future focus on building the evidence based in LMIC cities. Finally, the literature suggests that policies are likely to be most effective when they are developed by multidisciplinary teams that include policy makers, researchers, and representatives from affected communities.

scholarly journals SOCIAL ISOLATION POLICIES AGAINST CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC AND ITS IMPACT ON METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVING SYSTEMS

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 54
Author(s):  
María Alejandra Ruano ◽  
Manuel Zambrano
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Indirect Effects ◽  
Observation System ◽  
Meteorological Observation ◽  
Satellite Measurements ◽  
Observation Systems ◽  
The World ◽  
Meteorological Observations ◽  
Observing Systems

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced most countries in the world to adopt strict policies of social isolation. As a consequence, there have been positive and negative indirect effects on the environment. For example, some countries have reported improvements in air quality, cleaner beaches, and decreased environmental noise. However, there have also been negative indirect effects. This research aims to analyze the effects of social isolation policies on meteorological observation systems. It was found that the meteorological observations from aircraft as well as surface-based observations have been strongly affected. To a lesser extent, marine and satellite measurements have been affected. Our research highlights the importance of having a resilient and automated meteorological observation system, as well as complementary methods of monitoring the atmosphere and weather.

scholarly journals Social isolation and air quality impacts: the Rio de Janeiro case study

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. e8849109317
Author(s):  
Otto Gabriel Fernandes de Oliveira Cavalcante ◽  
Janks Karbdalla Leal de Paiva ◽  
André Haubrichs de Freitas e Silva ◽  
Brenda dos Santos Costa ◽  
Pedro Marques Miguel da Costa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Air Pollutants ◽  
Rio De Janeiro ◽  
Environmental Issues ◽  
Particulate Material ◽  
Technical Standards ◽  
Air Quality Improvement ◽  
Isolation Period

Many debates about environmental issues surfaced with the advent of the new coronavirus and social distancing. Therefore, the present article aimed to investigate air quality impacts in Rio de Janeiro, during social isolation period. In order to confirm air pollutants, decrease, for example NO and particulate material, documents such as legislations, technical standards, scientific articles published in this period, were analyzed during the studied period. Furthermore, the article sought to bring awareness about the short temporality of the air quality improvement, since without more sustainable forms of production, in a little while, those pollutants may increase again.

scholarly journals Air Quality Toxicity Index (AQTI): Quantifying Air Pollution Impact on Disease Onset

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Harold I Zeliger
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Disease Onset ◽  
Toxicity Index ◽  
Premature Deaths ◽  
The World ◽  
Air Pollution Impacts ◽  
Pollution Impacts

Air pollution impacts 90% of the world's population and is the number one cause of premature deaths worldwide, etiamted at 8-10 million pre year. Breathing polluted air is associated with the accelerated onset of numerous illnesses, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, several cancers and Alzheimer's disease. Fice major pollutants are typically monitored in cities around the world for air quality. These include ozone, particulate matter, dulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. The Air Quality Toxicity Index (AQTI), that is first reported here, provides a quantitative indicator with which to monitor air quality, make air quality comparisons of different locations and compare air quality of the same locations as a function of time.

scholarly journals Climate change, air pollution and extreme events leading to increasing prevalence of allergic respiratory diseases

2013 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gennaro D’Amato ◽  
Carlos E. Baena-Cagnani ◽  
Lorenzo Cecchi ◽  
Isabella Annesi-Maesano ◽  
Carlos Nunes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Pollutants ◽  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Allergic Diseases ◽  
World Health ◽  
Motor Vehicles ◽  
The European Union ◽  
The World

The prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases has increased dramatically during the past few decades not only in industrialized countries. Urban air pollution from motor vehicles has been indicated as one of the major risk factors responsible for this increase. Although genetic factors are important in the development of asthma and allergic diseases, the rising trend can be explained only in changes occurred in the environment. Despite some differences in the air pollution profile and decreasing trends of some key air pollutants, air quality is an important concern for public health in the cities throughout the world. Due to climate change, air pollution patterns are changing in several urbanized areas of the world, with a significant effect on respiratory health. The observational evidence indicates that recent regional changes in climate, particularly temperature increases, have already affected a diverse set of physical and biological systems in many parts of the world. Associations between thunderstorms and asthma morbidity in pollinosis subjects have been also identified in multiple locations around the world. Allergens patterns are also changing in response to climate change and air pollution can modify the allergenic potential of pollens especially in presence of specific weather conditions. The underlying mechanisms of all these interactions are not well known yet. The consequences on health vary from decreases in lung function to allergic diseases, new onset of diseases, and exacerbation of chronic respiratory diseases. Factor clouding the issue is that laboratory evaluations do not reflect what happens during natural exposition, when atmospheric pollution mixtures in polluted cities are inhaled. In addition, it is important to recall that an individual’s response to pollution exposure depends on the source and components of air pollution, as well as meteorological conditions. Indeed, some air pollution-related incidents with asthma aggravation do not depend only on the increased production of air pollution, but rather on atmospheric factors that favour the accumulation of air pollutants at ground level. Considering these aspects governments worldwide and international organizations such as the World Health Organization and the European Union are facing a growing problem of the respiratory effects induced by gaseous and particulate pollutants arising from motor vehicle emissions.

scholarly journals Effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Environment

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Renata Lopes Duarte ◽  
Cézar Henrique Barra Rocha ◽  
Johnny de Souza Dias
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Marine Fauna ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The World ◽  
Restrictive Measures ◽  
Main Effects ◽  
Aquatic Contaminants ◽  
Different Parts

The emergence of the new coronavirus resulted in the COVID-19 pandemic, which led several countries to adopt restrictive measures, such as the lockdown. As a consequence, several changes were observed in social, commercial, industrial and environmental dynamics. Thus, the present study aimed to make a brief review of some of the main effects of the Pandemic on the environment, in different parts of the world, gathering this information in a single document. To this end, a qualitative method was adopted, in which bibliographical surveys from scientific articles were carried out, as well from articles, news and reports from reliable sources. According to the sources consulted, the impacts observed in the air were mostly positive, resulting in the reduction of the concentrations of most of the atmospheric contaminants. With regard to water resources, positive effects were detected, such as the improvement in water quality in several places in the world, as well as negative effects, portrayed in the increase of the insertion of new aquatic contaminants, of difficult synthesis, in addition to the increase of residues, harmful to the marine fauna. The increase in the volume of waste, due to the new consumption habits imposed by the Pandemic, has also shown to influence soil properties. Finally, it is possible to conclude that the health crisis is linked to the cultural habits of a society that should seek to establish more harmonious relationships with the environment.

ANXIETY AND OBSESSION ASSOCIATED WITH COVID-19 PANDEMIC AMONG GENERAL POPULATION.

2021 ◽  
pp. 20-22
Author(s):  
Lija R Nath ◽  
Haseena T.A
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Critical Juncture ◽  
The World ◽  
The Masses ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Different Parts

Human civilization probably is passing through the most critical juncture of this millennium. Its existence is being challenged by the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2) pandemic. The impact of COVID-19 on mental health of the masses has emerged as a matter of enormous concern. The purpose of the study was to assess the anxiety and obsessive thoughts associated with COVID-19 pandemic among general population. The study was conducted among 720 Indians living in different parts of the world. Data was collected by online survey with coronavirus anxiety scale (CAS) and Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (OCS). It was found that out of the 720 participants 86 (12%) felt extreme social isolation due to COVID 19 pandemic. Nearly one third of the participants (28%) reported moderate level of anxiety and majority of the respondents (62%) experienced disturbing thoughts about contracting COVID-19.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 on Extremely Polluted Air Quality and Trend Forecast in Seven Provinces and Three Cities of China

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoying Pan ◽  
Yonggang Zhao ◽  
Meng Wang
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Air Pollutants ◽  
Average Concentration ◽  
Air Pollutant ◽  
Chinese Government ◽  
Annual Average ◽  
Epidemic Period ◽  
The World ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Annual Average Concentration

At the beginning of 2020, COVID-19 broke out. Because the virus is extremely contagious and the mortality rate after infection is extremely high, China and many countries in the world have imposed lockdowns. Air pollutants during the epidemic period have attracted the attention of many scholars. This research is to use predictive models to describe changes in extreme air pollutants. China is the first country in the world to enter the lockdown state. This study uses data from 2015-2020 to compare and predict the concentration of extreme pollutants before and after the lockdown. The results show that the lockdown of the epidemic will reduce the annual average concentration of PM2.5, and the annual average concentration of O3 will increase first and then decrease. Through analysis, it is concluded that there is a synergistic decrease trend between PM2.5 and O3. With the various blockade measures for epidemic prevention and control, the reduction of extreme air pollutant concentrations is sustainable. The assessment of China’s air quality in conjunction with the COVID-19 can provide scientific guidance for the Chinese government and other relevant departments to formulate policies.

scholarly journals Analysis of air pollution exposure in the area of Iasi county – a warning signal for lung health and the risk of developing COPD

Pneumologia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 166-173
Author(s):  
Ioana Buculei ◽  
Mona-Elisabeta Dobrin ◽  
Anda Tesloianu ◽  
Cristina Vicol ◽  
Radu-Adrian Crișan Dabija ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Air Pollutants ◽  
World Health ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
The World ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Air pollution is a major threat to public health, and the effects of pollution are perceived in all countries of the world, by all social categories, regardless of age. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has a growing prevalence worldwide and an increasing number of risk factors that exacerbate symptoms and accelerate disease progression. Exposure to air pollution is one of the less studied and less investigated risk factors for COPD. Depending on the size and chemical nature of the pollutant, it can overcome the defence mechanism of the respiratory system and enter the lung tissues, thus causing some respiratory diseases. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that six major air pollutants have been identified, namely particulate matter (PM), ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and lead. The severe impact of PM exposure is demonstrated by the link between exposure to high concentrations of PM and certain severe diseases such as silicosis, lung cancer, cardiovascular disease and COPD. In Iași County, Romania, air quality measurements are performed by six automatic air quality monitoring stations, and the data obtained are used to create annual reports and these are also available online. Due to the high concentrations of air pollutants, the city of Iași is one of the three topmost polluted cities in Romania. A future assessment on the impact of air pollution on the health of the inhabitants of these cities and the implementation of new methods to improve air quality is needed.

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