scholarly journals Air Pollution Status in 10 Mega-Cities in China during the Initial Phase of the COVID-19 Outbreak

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 3172
Author(s):  
Crystal Jane Ethan ◽  
Kingsley Katleho Mokoena ◽  
Yan Yu
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Initial Phase ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Pollution Levels ◽  
The Past ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Mega Cities ◽  
Particulate Matter Pollution

Over the past decades, urbanization and industrialization have led to a change in air quality, bringing researchers to a full realization of the damaging effects of human activities on the environment. This study focused on describing air quality during the initial phase of the Novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic (since there were fewer anthropogenic activities) in 10 Chinese mega-cities. Using the independent t-test, the means of air quality index (AQI) scores and individual air pollutants concentration during the outbreak were compared with the means before the outbreak. Cohen’s d was estimated to quantify how much difference was observed. Based on the AQI score, the air quality in these 10 cities ranged from excellent (Shenzhen) to light pollution (Xi’an) with 44.8 μg m−3 and 119.7 μg m−3, respectively. In comparison to the 2019 air quality, Guangzhou and Wuhan noted major differences in air quality during the outbreak. Indicators of traffic pollution, particularly NO2, were significantly lower during the outbreak in all cities. Particulate matter pollution varied, with some cities observing lower concentrations and other higher concentrations during the outbreak. There was a significant decrease in air pollution levels during the outbreak. More researchers should observe changes in air quality during peculiar or major events. Implementation of stringent regulation on vehicle use should be considered in mega-cities. Relevant findings should be employed in emphasizing the detrimental effects of anthropogenic activities and support the need for stringent emission control regulations.

scholarly journals Air Pollution Reduction and Mortality Benefit during the COVID-19 Outbreak in China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kai Chen ◽  
Meng Wang ◽  
Conghong Huang ◽  
Patrick L. Kinney ◽  
Paul T. Anastas
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Pollution Reduction ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Quality Improvements ◽  
Mortality Benefit ◽  
Pollution Levels ◽  
Specific Mortality ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

To control the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, China undertook stringent traffic restrictions and self-quarantine measures. We herein examine the change in air pollution levels and the potentially avoided cause-specific mortality during this massive population quarantine episode. We found that, due to the quarantine, NO2 dropped by 22.8 µg/m3 and 12.9 µg/m3 in Wuhan and China, respectively. PM2.5 dropped by 1.4 µg/m3 in Wuhan but decreased by 18.9 µg/m3 across 367 cities. Our findings show that interventions to contain the COVID-19 outbreak led to air quality improvements that brought health benefits which outnumbered the confirmed deaths due to COVID-19 in China

scholarly journals Novel Coronavirus: How Atmospheric Particulate Affects Our Environment and Health

Challenges ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigi Sanità di Toppi ◽  
Lorenzo Sanità di Toppi ◽  
Erika Bellini
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Atmospheric Particulate Matter ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Atmospheric Particulate ◽  
Po Valley ◽  
Pollution Levels ◽  
Syncytial Virus ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Prompt Action

It is well-known that atmospheric pollution, first and foremost the particulate matter (PM), causes serious diseases in humans. China’s metropolises and Italy’s Po Valley have in fact achieved a concerning degree of notoriety thanks to runaway air pollution problems. The spread of viral respiratory diseases is facilitated in polluted environments, an example of which is the respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis. In this opinion paper, we consider the possible relationship between air pollution, primarily airborne PM10–2.5, and the spread of the novel coronavirus in Northern Italy. If it is true that the novel coronavirus remains active from some hours to several days on various surfaces, it is logical to postulate that the same can occur when it is adsorbed or absorbed by the atmospheric particulate matter, which may also help carry the virus into the human respiratory system. As the Earth presents us with a very high bill to pay, governments and other authorities need to take prompt action to counter excessive pollution levels, both in Italy and in other countries.

scholarly journals The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Ambient Air Quality in China: A Quasi-Difference-in-Difference Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3404
Author(s):  
Tuo Zhang ◽  
Maogang Tang
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Human Activities ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
World Health ◽  
Static And Dynamic Analysis ◽  
Pollution Levels ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Impact

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has provided a distinct opportunity to explore the mechanisms by which human activities affect air quality and pollution emissions. We conduct a quasi-difference-in-differences (DID) analysis of the impacts of lockdown measures on air pollution during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in China. Our study covers 367 cities from the beginning of the lockdown on 23 January 2020 until April 22, two weeks after the lockdown in the epicenter was lifted. Static and dynamic analysis of the average treatment effects on the treated is conducted for the air quality index (AQI) and six criteria pollutants. The results indicate that, first, on average, the AQI decreased by about 7%. However, it was still over the threshold set by the World Health Organization. Second, we detect heterogeneous changes in the level of different pollutants, which suggests heterogeneous impacts of the lockdown on human activities: carbon monoxide (CO) had the biggest drop, about 30%, and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) had the second-biggest drop, 20%. In contrast, ozone (O3) increased by 3.74% due to the changes in the NOx/VOCs caused by the decrease in NOx, the decrease of O3 titration, and particulate matter concentration. Third, air pollution levels rebounded immediately after the number of infections dropped, which indicates a swift recovery of human activities. This study provides insights into the implementation of environmental policies in China and other developing countries.

scholarly journals COVID-19 national lockdown in Morocco: impacts on air quality and public health

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenza Khomsi ◽  
Houda Najmi ◽  
Hassan Amghar ◽  
Youssef Chelhaoui ◽  
Zineb Souhaili
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Ambient Air Pollution ◽  
Pollution Reduction ◽  
Industrial Activities ◽  
Large Cities ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Quality Status

AbstractOn the 20th April 2020, the end date of the first strict lockdown period in Morocco, 2 403 410 cases of the corona Virus were confirmed globally. The number of Morocco confirmed cases attended 2990, while 12 746 were suspected and 143 deaths were recorded. Due to the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 worldwide and in Morocco, almost all avoidable activities in the country were prohibited since the kingdom announced activities reduction on March 16, 2020 and then general lockdown with reduced industrial activities on March 20, 2020.This study aims at comparing the air quality status in Casablanca and Marrakech, two large cities from Morocco, before the pandemic and during the lockdown situation to show whether COVID-19 compelled-anthropogenic activities lockdown may have saved lives by restraining ambient air pollution than by preventing infection.We found that, during the quarantine, NO2 dropped by -12 μg/m3 in Casablanca and -7 μg/m3 in Marrakech. PM2·5 dropped by -18 μg/m3 in Casablanca and -14 μg/m3 in Marrakech. CO dropped by -0.04 mg/m3 in Casablanca and -0.12 mg/m3 in Marrakech. This air pollution reduction had created human health benefits and had reduced mortality and saved lives mainly from cardiovascular diseases.

Research Insights: What will People Pay for SMS Air Quality Alerts and Will They Avoid Air Pollution in Response?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rema Hanna ◽  
Bridget Hoffmann ◽  
Paulina Oliva ◽  
Jake Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Willingness To Pay ◽  
The Past ◽  
High Pollution

Male, younger, and higher-income respondents as well as those who perceived high pollution in recent days showed greater willingness to pay for SMS air quality alerts. Willingness to pay was uncorrelated with actual recent high pollution. Recipients of SMS alerts indicated having received air pollution information via SMS, along with reporting a high-pollution day in the past week and having stayed indoors on the most recent day they perceived pollution to be high. However, alert recipients were not more accurate in identifying which specific days had high pollution than other respondents. Households that received a free N95 mask were more likely to report utilizing a mask with a filter during the past two weeks but not more likely to report using a mask with a filter on the specific days with high particulate matter.

Progress in Railway Mechanical Engineering 2019 – 2020 Survey – Locomotives

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Mast
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Engineering ◽  
The Novel ◽  
The Past ◽  
Look Back ◽  
Class 1 ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Abstract This survey reports on motive power developments for the previous year ending in August 2020. Invitations to collaborate were sent to several locomotive builders and railroads. The survey looks at the scope of new and rebuilt motive power during the past year. During this time, several Class 1 railroads have heavily adopted the rebuilding and modernization of existing motive power. The survey also looks at how the needs of the railroads are changing in terms of motive power both due to Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) and also due to the novel Coronavirus pandemic. Finally, this survey will conclude with a look back at the high horsepower race following the retirement of the EMD SD80MAC locomotives from Class 1 ownership.

scholarly journals Understanding Public Response to Air Quality Using Tweet Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 205630511986765
Author(s):  
Supraja Gurajala ◽  
Suresh Dhaniyala ◽  
Jeanna N. Matthews
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Machine Learning Algorithms ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
New Delhi ◽  
Public Response ◽  
Pollution Levels ◽  
Adverse Health Effects

Poor air quality is recognized as a major risk factor for human health globally. Critical to addressing this important public-health issue is the effective dissemination of air quality data, information about adverse health effects, and the necessary mitigation measures. However, recent studies have shown that even when public get data on air quality and understand its importance, people do not necessarily take actions to protect their health or exhibit pro-environmental behaviors to address the problem. Most existing studies on public attitude and response to air quality are based on offline studies, with a limited number of survey participants and over a limited number of geographical locations. For a larger survey size and a wider set of locations, we collected Twitter data for a period of nearly 2 years and analyzed these data for three major cities: Paris, London, and New Delhi. We identify the three hashtags in each city that best correlate the frequency of tweets with local air quality. Using tweets with these hashtags, we determined that people’s response to air quality across all three cities was nearly identical when considering relative changes in air pollution. Using machine-learning algorithms, we determined that health concerns dominated public response when air quality degraded, with the strongest increase in concern being in New Delhi, where pollution levels are the highest among the three cities studied. The public call for political solutions when air quality worsens is consistent with similar findings with offline surveys in other cities. We also conducted an unsupervised learning analysis to extract topics from tweets in Delhi and studied their evolution over time and with changing air quality. Our analysis helped extract relevant words or features associated with different air quality–related topics such as air pollution policy and health. Also, the topic modeling analysis revealed niche topics associated with sporadic air quality events, such as fireworks during festivals and the air quality impact on an outdoor sport event. Our approach shows that a tweet-based analysis can enable social scientists to probe and survey public response to events such as air quality in a timely fashion and help policy makers respond appropriately.

scholarly journals Monitoring the Impact of Air Quality on the COVID-19 Fatalities in Delhi, India: Using Machine Learning Techniques

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Jasleen Kaur Sethi ◽  
Mamta Mittal
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Air Pollutants ◽  
Machine Learning Techniques ◽  
Environmental Restoration ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Ozone Pollution ◽  
Learning Techniques ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT Objective: The focus of this study is to monitor the effect of lockdown on the various air pollutants due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and identify the ones that affect COVID-19 fatalities so that measures to control the pollution could be enforced. Methods: Various machine learning techniques: Decision Trees, Linear Regression, and Random Forest have been applied to correlate air pollutants and COVID-19 fatalities in Delhi. Furthermore, a comparison between the concentration of various air pollutants and the air quality index during the lockdown period and last two years, 2018 and 2019, has been presented. Results: From the experimental work, it has been observed that the pollutants ozone and toluene have increased during the lockdown period. It has also been deduced that the pollutants that may impact the mortalities due to COVID-19 are ozone, NH3, NO2, and PM10. Conclusions: The novel coronavirus has led to environmental restoration due to lockdown. However, there is a need to impose measures to control ozone pollution, as there has been a significant increase in its concentration and it also impacts the COVID-19 mortality rate.

scholarly journals The Role of Dental Professionals in Pandemic Events and Disaster Responses

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guangwen Li ◽  
Bei Chang ◽  
Hui Li ◽  
Rui Wang ◽  
Gang Li
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Emergency Response ◽  
Mass Casualties ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Public Health Emergencies ◽  
The Past ◽  
Emergency Responses ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Dental Professionals

Abstract The past 20 years have seen major public health emergencies and natural disasters, including the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome outbreak caused by the SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) in 2003; the Wenchuan earthquake in 2008; and the novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) of 2019, which caused mass casualties, infections, and panic. These also resulted in complex demands for medical resources and information, and a shortage of human resources for emergency responses. To address the shortage of human resources required for these emergency responses, Chinese dental professionals made useful contributions. From this work, deficiencies in emergency response training and opportunities for the expansion of rescue capabilities were identified, and relevant recommendations made.

Air Pollution and Seasonality Effects on Mode Choice in China

2017 ◽  
Vol 2634 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weibo Li ◽  
Maria Kamargianni
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Mode Choice ◽  
Urban Transport ◽  
Modal Shift ◽  
Pollution Levels ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Impact

A modal shift from motorized to nonmotorized vehicles is imperative to reduce air pollution in developing countries. Nevertheless, whether better air quality will improve the willingness to use nonmotorized transport remains unclear. If such a reciprocal effect could be identified, a sort of virtuous circle could be created (i.e., better air quality could result in higher nonmotorized transport demand, which in turn could further reduce air pollution). Developing countries may, therefore, be more incentivized to work on air pollution reduction from other sources to exploit the extra gains in urban transport. This study investigated the impact of air pollution on mode choices and whether nonmotorized transport was preferred when air quality was better. Revealed preference data about the mode choice behavior of the same individuals was collected during two seasons (summer and winter) with different air pollution levels. Two discrete mode choice models were developed (one for each season) to quantify and compare the impacts of different air pollution levels on mode choices. Trip and socioeconomic characteristics also were included in the model to identify changes in their impacts across seasons. Taiyuan, a Chinese city that operates a successful bikesharing scheme, was selected for a case study. The study results showed that air quality improvement had a significant, positive impact on nonmotorized transport use, which suggested that improvements in air quality and promotion of nonmotorized transport must be undertaken simultaneously because of their interdependence. The results of the study could act as a harbinger to policy makers and encourage them to design measures and policies that lead to sustainable travel behavior.

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