Air pollution is a result of natural phenomena or human activities that can cause the release
of harmful substances in the environment, leading to adverse health outcomes among living
beings. Pollution is associated with adverse health impacts on multiple organ systems among
humans. While the respiratory and cardiovascular systems are mainly affected, there are other
health issues related to the eyes, skin, brain, blood, immunity, behavioral/mental well-being, and
reproduction among exposed individuals. Air pollutants can especially have higher health impacts
on people at the extremes of their ages (children and elderly) and on those suffering from
underlying respiratory and heart issues. Pollutants such as ozone, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter,
and nitrogen dioxide have respiratory effects among children and adults and are associated
with increased respiratory diseases, asthma exacerbations, and related hospitalizations. Carbon
monoxide interferes with transporting oxygen by forming carboxyhemoglobin leading to cardiovascular,
neurological, and respiratory problems. Particulate matter is a heterogeneous mixture
of tiny particles of varying compositions found in the atmosphere and has a wide variety of severe
health effects. Particulate matter emits from combustion, diesel engines, power generation,
and wood-burning, and certain industrial activities. Lead is considered neurotoxic and has more
severe consequences among children. Here we summarize characteristics of six criteria air pollutants
and associated air quality risk assessment parameters known as the Pollutant Standard
Index (PSI). The present manuscript also examines the impact of air pollution on human behavior,
mental well-being, and neurological health consequences, as air pollution has been associated
with cognitive decline, hyperactivity, dementia, anxiety, depression, aggression, and Alzheimer’s
disease-related changes. Lastly, we also attempt to look into any relationship between air pollutants
and Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and examine its possible association with a higher
COVID-19 incidence, complications, and mortality.
- Citation: Islam H, Shakoori IS, Aslam F, Ashraf G, Akram H. Examination of Air Pollution’s Relationship with COVID-19, Physical and Mental Health. Journal of Interdisciplinary Medicine. 2020. DOI: 10.2478/jim-2020-0027
- Creative Commons: Attribution CC BY
- Creator: Hina Islam, Irfan Sharif Shakoori, Fauzia Aslam, Gohar Ashraf, Hammad Akram
- Language: English
- Publisher: Journal of Interdisciplinary Medicine
- Year: 2020-12-14
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