Effect of environmental pollutants PM2.5, CO, O3 and NO2, on the incidence and mortality of SARS-COV-2 in largest metropolitan cities, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, India

Abstract

Objectives: The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has developed a challenging situation worldwide. In India, the SARS-CoV-2 cases and deaths have markedly increased. This study aims to evaluate the impact of environmental pollutants “particulate matter (PM 2.5 μm), carbon monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3), and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) on daily cases and deaths due to SARS-CoV-2 infection” in Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, India. Methods: The day-to-day air pollutants PM2.5, CO, O3, and NO2 were recorded from the metrological web “Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI).” SARS-COV-2 everyday cases and deaths were obtained from the “Coronavirus outbreak in India Web”. The PM 2.5, CO, O3, NO2, and daily cases, deaths were documented for more than one year, from March 2, 2020, to March 15, 2021. Results: Environmental pollutants CO, O3, and NO2, were positively related to SARS-COV-2 cases and deaths. The findings further described that for each one-unit increase in CO, O3, and NO2 levels, the number of cases was significantly augmented by 0.77%, 0.45%, and 4.33%. Conclusions: Environmental pollution is a risk factor to SARS-CoV-2 daily cases and deaths. The regional and international authorities must implement the policies to reduce air pollution and the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings can inform health policymakers' verdicts about battling the COVID-19 pandemic in India and globally by minimizing environmental pollution.

Keywords

• Environmental pollution
• COVID-19
• Prevalence
• Mortality
• India