Exposure to Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) from Vehicular Emission Could Increase the COVID-19 Pandemic Fatality in India: A Perspective.

ABSTRACT: The corona virus-2019 (COVID-19) is ravaging the whole world. Scientists have been trying to acquire more knowledge on different aspects of COVID-19. This study attempts to determine the effects of COVID-19, on a large population, which has already been persistently exposed to various atmospheric pollutants in different parts of India. Atmospheric pollutants and COVID-19 data, obtained from online resources, were used in this study. This study has shown strong positive correlation between the concentration of atmospheric nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and both the absolute number of COVID-19 deaths (r?=?0.79, p?2.5, PM₁₀, NO₂, in the different states of India, suggest that one of the main sources of atmospheric NO₂ is from fossil fuels combustion in transportation. It is suggested that homeless, poverty-stricken Indians, hawkers, roadside vendors, and many others who are regularly exposed to vehicular exhaust, may be at a higher risk in the COVID-19 pandemic.

SUBMITTER: Chakraborty P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7363019 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature