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

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.

Linkage between Airborne Particulate Matter and Viral Pandemic COVID-19 in Bucharest

“…Also, by considering the contribution of air pollutants' seasonal variability at the ground levels [79,80], this study highlights the association of the average daily PM2.5 and PM10 increased concentrations during the second, the fourth, and the fifth COVID-19 waves with high numbers of total daily new COVID-19 cases in Bucharest (Table 2). Considering the mutual interaction of increasing ecotoxicological levels of air pollutants and city inhabitants, this study proved the harmful effects of PM2.5 and PM10 on COVID-19 incidence and lethality in Bucharest, the result being consistent with previous studies [81][82][83]. Also, this finding supports the hypothesis that particulate matter in different size fractions can be considered a viral vector of SARS-CoV-2 pathogens in large cities through the reduction in pulmonary function and emergence of new viral variants.…”

Peculiar weather patterns effects on air pollution and COVID-19 spread in Tokyo metropolis

“…Based on the relevant scientific literature results, is considered that particulate matter play a double role in COVID-19 outcomes (a chronic one linked the possible impacts of long-term and short-term exposure to high PM concentrations in developing severe forms of COVID-19, and an acute one related to the possible carrier function of PM in SARS-CoV-2) ( Collivignarelli et al, 2023 ; Woodby et al, 2021 ).…”