The recent epidemic of the new SARS-CoV-2 in the northern regions of Italy is putting the organization of the Italian health system under serious attack. The current emergency requires all possible efforts to stem the spread of the virus. In this context, it is clear that we have the urgent need to rely upon etiopathogenetic data, in order to do all possible efforts to block the epidemic. However, observing the trend of the infections in China and the geographic areas of the main outbreaks, it could be hypothesized that air pollution plays a role. In particular, it has been previously demonstrated, in specific populations, a role of particulate matter in worsening clinical presentation of virus infection in airways. Without prejudice to the ascertained virus spread by air droplets or contaminated surfaces, the factors that could have favored its spread remain to be investigated. Moreover, if these observations were to be confirmed, when the health emergency is resolved, it will be mandatory to redesign an economic-productive model in balance with the environment.

SARS-CoV-2 spread in Northern Italy: what about the pollution role? / S. Sciomer, F. Moscucci, D. Magrì, R. Badagliacca, G. Piccirillo, P. Agostoni. - In: ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT. - ISSN 1573-2959. - 192:6(2020 May 03), p. 325.325. [10.1007/s10661-020-08317-y]

SARS-CoV-2 spread in Northern Italy: what about the pollution role?

P. Agostoni
Ultimo
2020

Abstract

The recent epidemic of the new SARS-CoV-2 in the northern regions of Italy is putting the organization of the Italian health system under serious attack. The current emergency requires all possible efforts to stem the spread of the virus. In this context, it is clear that we have the urgent need to rely upon etiopathogenetic data, in order to do all possible efforts to block the epidemic. However, observing the trend of the infections in China and the geographic areas of the main outbreaks, it could be hypothesized that air pollution plays a role. In particular, it has been previously demonstrated, in specific populations, a role of particulate matter in worsening clinical presentation of virus infection in airways. Without prejudice to the ascertained virus spread by air droplets or contaminated surfaces, the factors that could have favored its spread remain to be investigated. Moreover, if these observations were to be confirmed, when the health emergency is resolved, it will be mandatory to redesign an economic-productive model in balance with the environment.
COVID-19; PM-10; PM-2.5; Pollution; SARS-CoV-2; Air Pollution; Betacoronavirus; China; Coronavirus Infections; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Monitoring; Italy; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral
Settore MED/11 - Malattie dell'Apparato Cardiovascolare
3-mag-2020
Article (author)
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2434/736698
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