A pioneering India-wide study has discovered a direct correlation between air pollution levels and the prevalence and mortality rate of Covid-19. The research highlights that regions with inferior air quality, characterised by elevated levels of particulate matter (PM) 2.5, show an increased incidence of Covid-19 infections and correlated fatalities.
The Significance of Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5
PM 2.5, abbreviated from Particulate Matter 2.5, signifies atmospheric particle matter with a diameter less than 2.5 micrometres— equivalent to approximately 3% of a human hair’s thickness. Due to its minuscule size, this particulate matter can only be identified using an electron microscope.
PM 2.5 is primarily formed through fuel combustion and atmospheric chemical reactions. Natural phenomena such as forest fires also contribute to the amount of PM2.5 in the environment. These particles are notorious as major contributors to smog occurrences.
Exposure to PM 2.5 poses significant health risks. It has been identified as a causal factor for respiratory problems due to decreased visibility. Furthermore, PM 2.5 acts as an endocrine disruptor, capable of influencing insulin secretion and sensitivity, thereby escalating diabetes risk.
Details About the Study
The pivotal study was executed by scientists hailing from multiple institutions, including Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, National Institute of Technology Rourkela; Indian Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar. The Ministry of Earth Sciences, under the aegis of the Government of India, partially funded this study.
The study utilised three types of data sets— a National Emission Inventory (NEI) of PM2.5 for 2019, collated by the scientists; recorded Covid-19 positive cases and corresponding deaths as of November 5th, 2020; and air quality index data (in-situ observations).
Notable Observations from the Study
Titled ‘Establishing a link between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) zones and Covid-19 over India based on anthropogenic emission sources and air quality data,’ the study shed light on the increased vulnerability of residents in highly polluted areas to coronavirus infections.
Particularly, regions with substantial fossil fuel consumption, such as petrol, diesel, and coal, in transportation and industrial activities were found to have a significantly higher incidence rate of Covid-19 cases. The study pointed out that states like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Gujarat harboured an elevated concentration of PM2.5 due to extensive fossil fuel use. These states also reported the highest numbers of Covid-19 cases.
The Impact of the Study
The amalgamation of human-induced emissions and the pernicious impact of the Covid-19 virus accelerates lung damage and deteriorates overall health. This pathbreaking study could play a crucial role in mitigating the virus’s spread by indicating areas requiring enhanced preventive measures and resources, considering their high pollution levels.
Suggested Solutions and Initiatives to Reduce Air Pollution
The study advocates the adoption of cleaner technologies, stricter transport emission regulations such as Bharat Stage (BS) VI, and improved coal technology like ultra-supercritical power plants to curtail particulate emissions.
Several initiatives aimed at reducing air pollution are already underway. These include the UJALA scheme, International Solar Alliance, National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), and the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI is a daily measure of air quality that considers the health effects one might experience within a few hours or days after exposure to polluted air. In the Indian context, ground-level ozone and airborne particles like PM2.5 pose the most significant threat to human health.
This study and its findings underline the importance of understanding and tackling air pollution to address the broader public health challenges, which now include diseases like Covid-19.