ARTICLE | COVID-19 & Pollution
Increasing pollution is a bigger problem for the country this year due to already challenging health situation dealing with COVID-19 pandemic. With the onset of winters and Unlock 5.0, the demon of air pollution has once again raised its head. Various studies across the globe present several arguments about effect of pollution on novel coronavirus
Hitesh nigam Editorial Assistant
P
ollution has been a serious challenge to the health sector of the country for some time now. However, this year with COVID-19 already weakening the immunity and respiratory systems of people, pollution has jeopardised their health further. Moreover, continued studies in this regard have found that pollution acts as catalyst in the spread of COVID-19.
Researches showing connection between COVID-19 and pollution
The countries with the underlying
problem of pollution are one of the hottest spots of COVID-19 infection, as suggested by data from World Health Organisation (WHO) website. According to a study published in Cardiovascular Research, about 15 per cent of the deaths due to COVID-19 can be attributed to longterm exposure to air pollution. Recent surge in COVID-19 cases of Delhi is the appropriate example of effect of pollution on COVID-19 transmission. According to Indian Medical Association, about 13 per cent of this increase in COVID-19 cases is estimated to be due to pollution. A study conducted in nine Asian cities to find relationship between novel coronavirus and pollution, was published by Springer. It clearly stated
COVID-19 & Pollution
Pandemic 2.0
38 November 2020 | www.urbanupdate.in
