Association of Air Pollution with Meteorological Factors during COVID-19 pandemic in India: A Systematic Review

Abstract

An unprecedented outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), leading to the pandemic, has affected almost all countries, adversely affecting human health and the environment. Nearly 2.3 billion people live in areas where air pollution levels are high, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region and more likely in countries such as India. Prolonged exposure to air pollution is known to have adverse effects on humans and the environment at large. The impact of health hazards on the environment warrants investigation of the correlation between air pollutants and COVID-19 spread. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the effects of COVID-19 on fine particulate matter (PM), gaseous pollutants, and its potential implications on human health by considering short- and long-term impacts associated with meteorological factors in the Indian context. The current review suggests that the PM level has reduced (40–80%) in various Indian cities, which has led to a significant link in COVID-19 severity and lethality through its impact on chronic diseases, such as cardiopulmonary diseases and diabetes. In addition, the review addresses the effect of meteorological and climatic factors on COVID-19 health outcomes. In the current reviews suggested that the relationships between meteorological factors and COVID-19 transmission ceases could be affected by season, geographical scale, and latitude. Thus, the current review might be useful for the public, local authorities, and the Government to develop control measures for meteorological properties for better understanding to combat COVID-19.