The Impact of Air Pollution and Environmental Factors on COVID-19 Transmission

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has caused serious mortal damage to the human race. The virus causes respiratory infections, and many studies are trying to comprehend the mode of spread and infection. This chapter has explained the origin of the virus, its structure and activity domain, symptoms, medicinal interventions, and particularly various modes of spread with emphasis on air pollution as contributing and facilitating factors assisted with favourable meteorological conditions, including temperature and relative humidity. Pieces of evidence from different countries suggest that the spread of the virus may be facilitated by air pollution and people who are exposed to high pollution levels are more susceptible to falling victim to the virus. Transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 may be facilitated by the airborne particulate matter, and both particulate matter and coronavirus cause oxidative stress in the body that helps in enhancing the susceptibility and severity towards respiratory infection. Not only ambient air pollution, but indoor air pollution (IAP) is also a factor worth considering. People in developing and under-developed nations are at high risk as they are exposed to high IAP levels. Awareness must be created to educate them about the associated harmful consequences, including the risk of catching the lethal COVID-19 infection. In the absence of any concrete medicinal solution, it is necessary to build immunity which may be uplifted by the usage of natural food sources, including herbs and spices. An overview of some commonly available herbs and spices of medicinal importance has also been given in the chapter.