Novel Coronavirus: How Atmospheric Particulate Affects Our Environment and Health

Luigi Sanità di Toppi, Lorenzo Sanità di Toppi and Erika Bellini
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Luigi Sanità di Toppi: Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
Lorenzo Sanità di Toppi: Freelance Management Engineer, 56121 Pisa, Italy
Erika Bellini: Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy

Challenges, 2020, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: 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 PM 10–2.5 , 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.

Keywords: atmospheric pollution; coronavirus; COVID-19; particulate matter; respiratory diseases (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A00 C00 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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