Cited by 224COVID-19 impact on air qualityAir Quality and Health ImpactsInfection Control and Ventilation

The impact of outdoor air pollution on COVID-19: a review of evidence from in vitro , animal, and human studies

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Bourdrel, Thomas, Annesi-Maesano, Isabella, Alahmad, Barrak, Maesano, Cara N., Bind, Marie-Abèle·2021·European Respiratory Review

Abstract

Studies have pointed out that air pollution may be a contributing factor to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, the specific links between air pollution and severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 infection remain unclear. Here we provide evidence from in vitro , animal and human studies from the existing literature. Epidemiological investigations have related various air pollutants to COVID-19 morbidity and mortality at the population level, however, those studies suffer from several limitations. Air pollution may be linked to an increase in COVID-19 severity and lethality through its impact on chronic diseases, such as cardiopulmonary diseases and diabetes. Experimental studies have shown that exposure to air pollution leads to a decreased immune response, thus facilitating viral penetration and replication. Viruses may persist in air through complex interactions with particles and gases depending on: 1) chemical composition; 2) electric charges of particles; and 3) meteorological conditions such as relative humidity, ultraviolet (UV) radiation and temperature. In addition, by reducing UV radiation, air pollutants may promote viral persistence in air and reduce vitamin D synthesis. Further epidemiological studies are needed to better estimate the impact of air pollution on COVID-19. In vitro and in vivo studies are also strongly needed, in particular to more precisely explore the particle–virus interaction in air.

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Authors
Bourdrel, T., Annesi-Maesano, I., Alahmad, B., Maesano, C. N., & Bind, M.-A.
Affiliations
  • Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg (FR)
  • Harvard University (US)
  • Inserm (FR)
Corresponding author
Bourdrel, Thomas
Venue
European Respiratory Review
Published
2021-02-09
Volume
30
Issue
159
Pages
200242
ISSN
  • 0905-9180 (ISSN-L)
  • 1600-0617
OpenAlex
W3128253629
Cited by
224
References
119
Citations by year
2026: 9 · 2025: 25 · 2024: 29 · 2023: 41 · 2022: 70 · 2021: 50
FWCI
4.12
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • European Respiratory Review (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • HAL (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
National Institutes of Health (DP5OD021412)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Global and Planetary Change › COVID-19 impact on air quality
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis › Air Quality and Health Impacts
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine › Infection Control and Ventilation
Keywords
outdoor air pollution, COVID-19 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2, air pollutants, immune response, vitamin D synthesis, ultraviolet radiation, relative humidity, weather conditions, cardiopulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, COVID-19 mortality, COVID-19 severity
MeSH terms
COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Air Pollutants, Air Pollution, Animals, Environmental Exposure, Humans, Prognosis, Risk Factors, Severity of Illness Index, Risk Assessment, Host-Pathogen Interactions

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