The impact of ambient particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10 on the prevalence and mortality of SARS-Cov-2 in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

Abstract

Background: Seven out of the top ten top ranking countries internationally with the highest levels of PM2.5 and PM10 are situated in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). Several pollutants, including PM10 and PM2.5, can act as a vector for the spread of airborne microorganisms, including viruses, and thereby can directly infect other people’s mucosae and extend survival of bioaerosols in the air and onto surfaces causing delayed infections. Methods: The relation between the prevalence (the number of cases/ 100,000 population) and mortality rates of SARS-CoV-2 and air pollutants, specifically particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), in the EMR was investigated. Data was collected from local and WHO databases on the average exposure to ambient PM2.5 and PM10. Total cases and deaths of SARS-CoV-2 in the EMR were collected from the WHO. Results: Preliminary correlational analysis revealed a significant correlation between PM2.5 and PM10 and SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in the EMR (P 0.003). Conclusion: The results of our study would help to understand the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in the EMR in light of air pollution levels. The latter would trigger proper implementation of laws and regulations on air pollution to have a better management of the healthcare systems facing the second wave of this pandemic.