Dataset Information

The influence of COVID-19 preventive measures on the air quality in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates).

ABSTRACT: The preventive and cautionary measures taken by the UAE and Abu Dhabi governments to reduce the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and promote social distancing have led to a reduction of mobility and a modification of economic and social activities. This paper provides statistical analysis of the air quality data monitored by the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) during the first 10 months of 2020, comparing the different stages of the preventive measures. Ground monitoring data is compared with satellite images and mobility indicators. The study shows a drastic decrease during lockdown in the concentration of the gaseous pollutants analysed (NO₂, SO₂, CO, and C₆H₆) that aligns with the results reported in other international cities and metropolitan areas. However, particulate matter (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5) averaged concentrations followed a markedly different trend from the gaseous pollutants, indicating a larger influence from natural events (sand and dust storms) and other anthropogenic sources. The ozone (O₃) levels increased during the lockdown, showing the complexity of O₃ formation. The end of lockdown led to an increase of the mobility and the air pollution; however, air pollutant concentrations remained in lower levels than during the same period of 2019. The results in this study show the large impact of human activities on the quality of air and present an opportunity for policymakers and decision-makers to design stimulus packages to overcome the economic slow-down, with strategies to accelerate the transition to resilient, low-emission economies and societies more connected to the nature that protect human health and the environment.

Supplementary information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11869-021-01000-2.

SUBMITTER: Teixido O

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8019479 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:BACKGROUND:Traffic collision fatality rates per mile travelled have declined in Abu Dhabi similar to many developed countries. Nevertheless, the rate is still significantly higher than the average of countries with similar GDP and socio-demographic indicators. The literature on the subject in the UAE is limited especially in the area of studying drivers behaviour. This study aims to find determinants of risky driving behaviours that precipitate having a road traffic collision (RTC) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). METHODS:A cross-sectional, survey-based study was employed. Participants were 327 active drivers who were attending Abu Dhabi Ambulatory Health Care Services clinics. They were provided with a questionnaire consisting of demography, lifestyle history, medical history, driving history, and an RTC history. They were also given a driving behaviour questionnaire, a distracted driving survey, depression screening and anxiety screening. RESULTS:Novice drivers (less than 25?years old) were 42% of the sample and 79% were less than 35?years. Those who reported a history of an RTC constituted 39.8% of the sample; nearly half (47.1%) did not wear a seatbelt during the collision. High scores in the driving behaviour questionnaire and high distraction scores were evident in the sample. Most distraction-prone individuals were young (90.5% were less than 36?years old). High scores in the driving behaviour questionnaire were also associated with high distraction scores (p?<?0.001). Respondents with high depression risk were more likely to be involved in the RTC. With each one-point increase in the driver's distraction score, the likelihood of a car crash being reported increased by 4.9%. CONCLUSION:Drivers in the UAE engage in risky behaviours and they are highly distracted. Some behaviours that contribute to severe and even fatal injuries in RTCs include failing to wear a seatbelt and being distracted. Younger people were more likely distracted, while older drivers were more likely to have higher depression scores. Depression is suggested as a determinant factor in risky driving. These findings are informative to other countries of similar socioeconomic status to the UAE and to researchers in this field in general.

Dataset Information

The influence of COVID-19 preventive measures on the air quality in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates).

Supplementary information

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