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Urban Air Pollution Exposure Impact on COVID-19 Transmission in a Few Metropolitan Regions

Author

Listed:
  • Maria Zoran

    (ITC Department, National Institute of R&D for Optoelectronics, 409 Atomistilor Street, MG5, 077125 Magurele, Romania)

  • Roxana Radvan

    (ITC Department, National Institute of R&D for Optoelectronics, 409 Atomistilor Street, MG5, 077125 Magurele, Romania)

  • Dan Savastru

    (ITC Department, National Institute of R&D for Optoelectronics, 409 Atomistilor Street, MG5, 077125 Magurele, Romania)

  • Marina Tautan

    (ITC Department, National Institute of R&D for Optoelectronics, 409 Atomistilor Street, MG5, 077125 Magurele, Romania)

Abstract

Based on outdoor air pollution and meteorological daily time series observational and in-situ monitoring data, this study investigated the impacts of environmental factors under different urban climates on COVID-19 transmission in four hotspot European metropolises (Berlin, London, Madrid, and Paris) from March 2020 to March 2022. Through applied statistical methods and cross-correlation tests involving multiple datasets pertaining to the main air pollutants (inhalable particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10, nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), and ozone (O 3 )) and climate parameters (air temperature at 2 m height, relative humidity, wind speed intensity and direction, planetary boundary layer height, and surface solar irradiance), a direct positive impact of aerosol loading (PM2.5, PM10, and aerosol optical depth (AOD)) on COVID-19 spreading and severity was revealed. Despite some urban differences existing between the selected cities, particularly for the spring–summer periods, we have observed negative correlations between daily new COVID-19 cases and deaths and daily average ground-level ozone concentration, air temperature at 2 m height, planetary boundary layer height, and surface solar irradiance. Air relative humidity and urban population density have a direct impact on COVID-19 diffusion in large metropolitan areas, and the findings of this study highlight the crucial role of air pollution, in synergy with climate variability, in viral pathogens dispersion in COVID-19 transmission in large urban areas. This information can be used by decision-makers to develop targeted interventions during epidemic periods to reduce the potential risks associated with air pollution exposure and to promote the sustainable development of urban economies.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Zoran & Roxana Radvan & Dan Savastru & Marina Tautan, 2024. "Urban Air Pollution Exposure Impact on COVID-19 Transmission in a Few Metropolitan Regions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-19, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:14:p:6119-:d:1437323
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jorge Bañuelos-Gimeno & Natalia Sobrino & Rosa María Arce-Ruiz, 2023. "Effects of Mobility Restrictions on Air Pollution in the Madrid Region during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Post-Pandemic Periods," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-23, August.
    2. Maria Cristina Collivignarelli & Stefano Bellazzi & Francesca Maria Caccamo & Marco Carnevale Miino, 2023. "Discussion about the Latest Findings on the Possible Relation between Air Particulate Matter and COVID-19," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(6), pages 1-8, March.
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