Multiple relationships between aerosol and COVID-19: A framework for global studies

Abstract

COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019) is a severe respiratory syndrome currently causing a human global pandemic. The original virus, along with newer variants, is highly transmissible. Aerosol is a multiphase system consisting of the atmosphere with suspended solid and liquid particles, which can carry toxic and harmful substances; especially the liquid components. The degree to which aerosol can carry the virus and cause COVID-19 disease is of significant research importance. In this study, we have discussed the aerosol transmission as the pathway of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2), and the aerosol pollution reduction as a consequence of the COVID-19 lockdown. The aerosol transmission routes of the SARS-CoV-2 can be further subdivided into proximal human-exhaled aerosol transmission and potentially more distal ambient aerosol transmission. The human-exhaled aerosol transmission is a direct dispersion of the SARS-CoV-2. The ambient aerosol transmission is an indirect dispersion of the SARS-CoV-2 in which the aerosol act as a carrier to spread the virus. This indirect dispersion can also stimulate the up-regulation of the expression of SARS-CoV-2 receptor ACE-2 (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2) and protease TMPRSS2 (Transmembrane Serine Protease 2), thereby increasing the incidence and mortality of COVID-19. From the aerosol quality data around the world, it can be seen that often atmospheric pollution has significantly decreased due to factors such as the reduction of traffic, industry, cooking and coal-burning emissions during the COVID-19 lockdown. The airborne transmission potential of SARS-CoV-2, the infectivity of the virus in ambient aerosols, and the reduction of aerosol pollution levels due to the lockdowns are crucial research subjects.

Geo-environmental parametric 3D models of SARS-CoV-2 virus circulation in hospital ventilation systems

“…The consequence for this environment is that it can consistently concentrate the SARS-CoV-2 virus as long as COVID-19 patients are within the room and actively shedding virus particles, which explains the occurrence of contamination among health professionals working in these hospital environments ( Kenarkoohi et al, 2020 , Vandercam et al, 2020 , Noorimotlagh et al, 2021 ). Noorimotlagh et al (2021) demonstrated that the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 outdoors occurs almost exclusively by air, mainly through ultrafine particles suspended in the air ( Cao et al, 2021 , Hadei et al, 2021 , López et al, 2021 , Shao et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Subsequently, the analysis was performed using JASP software, version 0.14.1.0, to demonstrate possible displacement of SARS-CoV-2 particles in the built structure of the hospital and its surroundings, through the analysis of points of intensity of the levels of displacement of natural ventilation. The Cao et al, 2021 , Jansi et al, 2021 studies prove the ease of displacement of SARS-CoV-2 through the air, through ultra-fine microparticles.…”

“…Of current paramount importance in over the globe affecting humans is the spread of and contamination of surfaces by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The SARS-CoV-2 virus has devastated people and their lives in many regions of the world through the respiratory syndrome known as COVID-19, which can cause severe illness leading to death ( Cao et al, 2021 , Jansi et al, 2021 ). Due to the easy and rapid transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the mortality rates in many countries in the world is alarming, in addition to generating severe negative social and economic impacts ( Cao et al, 2021 , Shao et al, 2021 ).…”

“…The SARS-CoV-2 virus has devastated people and their lives in many regions of the world through the respiratory syndrome known as COVID-19, which can cause severe illness leading to death ( Cao et al, 2021 , Jansi et al, 2021 ). Due to the easy and rapid transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the mortality rates in many countries in the world is alarming, in addition to generating severe negative social and economic impacts ( Cao et al, 2021 , Shao et al, 2021 ). The World Health Organization reported a global death toll of 3,104,743 from SARS-CoV-2 as of April 26, 2021 (WHO, 2021).…”

“…The present study stems from the possible displacement and transport of SARS-CoV-2 virus in ultrafine particles suspended in the hospital environment, considering the different dynamics of air movement, circulation, and internal air quality ( Cao et al, 2021 , Hadei et al, 2021 , López et al, 2021 , Shao et al, 2021 ;). It is essential to assess the air quality in hospitals that were built quickly, and to ensure that the risks of contamination are indeed low in these facilities ( Chen et al, 2021 ), or if the novel coronavirus is unimpeded in its ability to move throughout.…”