A review report on the impact of COVID-19 on air environment

 A review report on the impact of COVID-19 on air environment

洪倩倩，李晓娟，李兆斌

香港都会大学 科技学院 应用科学系

Abstract: Since the outbreak of COVID-19 at the end of 2019, researchers worldwide have been studying the virus's impact on the environment. Among them, the air environment is an important research direction, as the virus can spread through the air and affect indoor and outdoor environments. This article reviews the impact of COVID-19 on the air environment, including the transmission pathways of the virus in the air, the concentration and survival time of the virus in the air, and the virus's impact on indoor air quality. In addition, this article explores the methods and measures to respond to the impact of COVID-19 on the air environment, as well as future research directions.

Keywords: COVID-19, air environment, transmission pathways, concentration, survival time, indoor air quality, response methods, future research

Introduction:

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus at the end of 2019, researchers around the world have been studying the virus's impact on the environment. Air environment is an important research direction because the virus can spread through the air, affecting both indoor and outdoor environments. Studying the impact of COVID-19 on the air environment is of great significance for formulating effective prevention and control strategies and slowing the spread of the virus. Therefore, this article aims to review the impact of COVID-19 on the air environment, and to discuss response methods and future research directions.

1,Transmission of the Novel Coronavirus in Air

The transmission of the virus in the air has been one of the most concerning issues during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to research, the novel coronavirus can enter the human body through the aerosol transmission pathway, causing respiratory infections. The mode of transmission through droplets and aerosols is different. Droplets refer to virus particles with a diameter greater than 5 micrometers, which is the main mode of transmission. Aerosols, on the other hand, refer to particles with a diameter smaller than 5 micrometers, which can float in the air, enter the respiratory tract, and cause infection.

The transmission distance of aerosols is far, and they can be spread to further places through methods such as air conditioning and ventilation. Therefore, the transmission of aerosols is also one of the key points in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic.

2,Survival of the virus in the air

The ability of the virus to survive in the air has a significant impact on its transmission. The survival of the virus in the air is influenced by various factors, such as temperature, humidity, and air flow. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the survival of the virus in different environments has also been widely studied.

Studies have found that the novel coronavirus can survive for a certain amount of time on different types of surfaces. For example, it can survive for 4 hours on copper surfaces, around 4 to 5 days on paper materials, and 2 to 3 days on plastic and stainless steel surfaces. In addition, the virus's survival ability varies depending on the temperature and humidity of the environment. Generally, the virus's survival ability is weaker in high-temperature and low-humidity environments, while it is stronger in low-temperature and high-humidity environments.

Studies have also shown that the novel coronavirus can survive in the air for several hours, which means that if a person coughs or sneezes in a room, the virus may float in the air for a while, affecting the health of others. Therefore, maintaining air circulation and ventilation indoors is crucial during the pandemic.

3,The impact of COVID-19 on air quality

The impact of the COVID-19 virus on air quality mainly comes from two aspects: first, due to the reduction in global tourism and transportation during the epidemic period, the suspension of a large number of vehicles and ships has reduced the emission of pollutants in the air, leading to an improvement in environmental quality; second, due to the large-scale disinfection and epidemic prevention activities during the epidemic period, these activities may lead to the emission of harmful gases and the deterioration of air quality.

The first, due to the reduction of transportation and industrial production during the pandemic, global emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides have significantly decreased. For example, the national lockdowns in Italy and China during the pandemic resulted in the shutdown of many vehicles, with emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides decreasing by 25% and 40%, respectively. In addition, the large-scale shutdown of global aviation and shipping industries has also significantly reduced global carbon emissions. These measures have led to a decrease in the concentration of pollutants in the air, allowing people to breathe fresher air.

The second, during the epidemic, large-scale disinfection and epidemic prevention activities were carried out to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. For example, frequent disinfection was carried out in hospitals and public places, which may lead to the emission of harmful gases and the deterioration of air quality. For instance, substances such as chlorine and ozone contained in disinfectants may have negative impacts on human health. In addition, the manufacture and disposal of some epidemic prevention supplies may also have an impact on air quality. For example, the production and disposal of a large number of masks can result in the emission of some harmful gases.

4,Addressing the Impact of COVID-19 on Air Quality

To address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the air environment, a series of measures need to be taken, including:

1.Strengthening air quality monitoring

Strengthening air quality monitoring can help to timely grasp changes in air quality and develop corresponding measures to protect public health. In addition, by making air quality monitoring data open and transparent, public awareness of environmental protection and self-protection can be enhanced.

Enhancing indoor air circulation and ventilation

During the pandemic, it is important to maintain indoor air circulation and ventilation. This can be achieved by opening windows, using air purifiers, and other methods to improve indoor air quality. In addition, it is necessary to avoid gathering in enclosed spaces and maintain social distancing to reduce the possibility of virus transmission.

2.Reduce harmful gas emissions

In epidemic prevention activities, low-pollution and low-toxicity disinfectants and protective equipment should be selected, and management and supervision should be strengthened to reduce harmful gas emissions. In addition, green epidemic prevention methods can be used, such as ultraviolet disinfection lamps and hydrogen ion purifiers, to reduce harmful gas emissions.

3.Promote environmental protection technology innovation

During the epidemic, we should strengthen environmental protection technology innovation, develop efficient and low-pollution disinfection and protective products, promote green epidemic prevention methods, and promote the development of the environmental protection industry to improve environmental quality and protect public health.

In short, the impact of the COVID-19 virus on the air environment is complex and multifaceted. We need to consider multiple factors comprehensively and take a series of measures to minimize the impact on the environment and public health. We should enhance environmental awareness, actively participate in environmental protection, and jointly build a green and healthy society.

4.Advocate for a low-carbon lifestyle

During the COVID-19 epidemic, restrictions on people's travel and production activities have led to a significant reduction in global carbon dioxide emissions. This also shows that we can reduce environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by advocating for a low-carbon lifestyle. For example, encouraging the use of public transportation, walking, or cycling as green transportation methods can reduce car exhaust emissions. In addition, adjusting lifestyle habits such as strengthening garbage classification and reducing food waste can also effectively reduce environmental pollution.

5.Strengthening international cooperation

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global public health event that requires countries to enhance cooperation and work together to respond to the outbreak. In terms of environmental protection, countries should promote environmental technology innovation together, strengthen international cooperation, and jointly address global environmental issues. In addition, strengthening international cooperation among environmental organizations and institutions, increasing investment and efforts in environmental protection, will help promote global environmental protection.

Conclusion

The impact of COVID-19 on the air environment is obvious. During the pandemic, human activities were restricted, resulting in a significant reduction in atmospheric pollutants. However, it also created some new environmental problems, such as increased emissions of medical waste and disinfectants. Therefore, we should take a series of measures to respond, including strengthening air quality monitoring, improving indoor air circulation and ventilation, reducing harmful gas emissions, promoting environmental technology innovation, advocating low-carbon lifestyles, and enhancing international cooperation. Only through joint efforts can we protect the environment and public health and achieve sustainable development goals.

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