Global COVID-19 pandemic trends and their relationship with meteorological variables, air pollutants and socioeconomic aspects

Effects of meteorological factors and air pollutants on the incidence of COVID-19 in South Korea

“…Particles of air pollutants can affect SARS-CoV-2 transmission by facilitating airborne transport of SARS-CoV-2 ( Martelletti and Martelletti, 2020 ; Meo et al, 2020 ), thereby triggering the inhalation of SARS-CoV-2 on small airborne particles ( Han et al, 2022 ). Additionally, enhanced expression of the viral receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 increases the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection through an elevated number of viral entry sites or receptors on the host cells ( Roy, 2021 ).…”

“…In addition, exposure to air pollution induces oxidative stress and the generation of free radicals, which encourage a pro-inflammatory state, leading to immune dysregulation in viral infections ( Ciencewicki and Jaspers, 2007 ), including SARS-CoV-2 ( Cao et al, 2020 ). This enables the virus to survive longer and become more aggressive in an immune system already weakened by air pollutants ( Han et al, 2022 ; Martelletti and Martelletti, 2020 ; Meo et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020, numerous cases and deaths have been reported worldwide ( World Health Organization, 2020 ). Identifying factors influencing the spread of COVID-19 has significant implications for prevention and control ( Han et al, 2022 ; Hatmi, 2021 ; Periyasamy and Venkatesh, 2021 ; Zang et al, 2022 ).…”

“…Air pollutants such as fine particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤2.5 μm (PM 2.5 ) or ≤10 μm (PM 10 ), sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone (O 3 ), can irritate airways and increase susceptibility to respiratory virus infections when inhaled ( Ciencewicki and Jaspers, 2007 ; Marquès et al, 2020 ; Sarmadi et al, 2021 ). Additionally, temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind, and air pressure may change viral activity in the air and surfaces of objects, and affect their transmissibility ( Han et al, 2022 ). In line with prior findings, it has been suggested that meteorological variables and air pollutants may play a critical role in SARS-CoV-2 transmission ( Han et al, 2022 ; Zoran et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Additionally, temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind, and air pressure may change viral activity in the air and surfaces of objects, and affect their transmissibility ( Han et al, 2022 ). In line with prior findings, it has been suggested that meteorological variables and air pollutants may play a critical role in SARS-CoV-2 transmission ( Han et al, 2022 ; Zoran et al, 2020 ). In addition to direct transmission from person to person, they may favor indirect diffusion of SARS-CoV-2 ( Frontera et al, 2020 ).…”