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Effect of COVID-19 on air pollution related illnesses in India

Utkarsha Uday1, Lakshmi Deepak Bethineedi2, Muhammad Hasanain3

  • 1West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Kolkata, India.

Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012)
|May 31, 2022
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns significantly reduced ambient air pollution, improving public health outcomes. This study explores these effects and offers strategies for sustained air quality improvements.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Ambient air pollution is a major global health concern, linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, increased emergency visits for conditions like asthma and COPD, and infant mortality.
  • The Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic presented unprecedented global health challenges.
  • Strict lockdown measures were implemented worldwide to control the spread of COVID-19.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To illustrate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns on ambient air pollution levels.
  • To analyze the resulting public health outcomes.
  • To provide recommendations for mitigating air pollution.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on air quality during COVID-19 lockdowns.
  • Analysis of epidemiological data related to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
  • Synthesis of public health impacts and policy recommendations.

Main Results:

  • Lockdown measures led to significant reductions in various air pollutants.
  • Observed improvements in air quality correlated with potential public health benefits, such as reduced respiratory distress.
  • The pandemic highlighted the direct link between human activity and air quality.

Conclusions:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the profound impact of reduced anthropogenic activities on air quality.
  • Implementing sustainable strategies can maintain improved air quality post-pandemic.
  • Further research is needed to quantify long-term health benefits and develop effective air pollution control policies.

Keywords:
ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorderAQI, air quality indexAir pollutionAir quality index (AQI)CO2, carbon dioxideCOPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseCOVID-19, coronavirus-19Cardiovascular diseasesN95, non-oil 95NCAP, national clean air programmeNH3, ammoniaNO2, nitrogen dioxideO3, ozoneOccupational diseases,particulate matter (PM)PM, particulate matterPPE, personal protective equipmentRespiratory diseasesSLDBI, state level disease burden initiativeUNEP, united nations environment programmeUSD, United States dollarWHO, world health organizationμg/m³, micrograms per cubic metre

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