Discussion about the Latest Findings on the Possible Relation between Air Particulate Matter and COVID-19

Maria Cristina Collivignarelli (), Stefano Bellazzi, Francesca Maria Caccamo and Marco Carnevale Miino ()
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Maria Cristina Collivignarelli: Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy
Stefano Bellazzi: Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy
Francesca Maria Caccamo: Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy
Marco Carnevale Miino: Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 6, 1-8

Abstract: Since SARS-CoV-2 was identified, the scientific community has tried to understand the variables that can influence its spread. Several studies have already highlighted a possible link between particulate matter (PM) and COVID-19. This work is a brief discussion about the latest findings on this topic, highlighting the gaps in the current results and possible tips for future studies. Based on the literature outcomes, PM is suspected to play a double role in COVID-19: a chronic and an acute one. The chronic role is related to the possible influence of long-term and short-term exposure to high concentrations of PM in developing severe forms of COVID-19, including death. The acute role is linked to the possible carrier function of PM in SARS-CoV-2. The scientific community seems sure that the inflammatory effect on the respiratory system of short-term exposure to a high concentration of PM, and other additional negative effects on human health in cases of longer exposure, increases the risk of developing a more severe form of COVID-19 in cases of contagion. On the contrary, the results regarding PM acting as a carrier of SARS-CoV-2 are more conflicting, especially regarding the possible inactivation of the virus in the environment, and no final explanation on the possible acute role of PM in the spread of COVID-19 can be inferred.

Keywords: PM 10; PM 2.5; SARS-CoV-2; virus vector; coronavirus; air pollution; traffic; COVID-19 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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