A recent study has been released with the focused purpose of assessing the relationship between particulate matter (PM) concentration levels and the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Italy. Particulate matter refers to airborne solid particles and liquid droplets. This airborne matter can consist of dust particles, dirt, soot, smoke and more. Without implementation of suppression methods like dust control, it can cause harm to those who inhale it. Experts from the University of Bologna, Bari, Milano, Trieste and the Italian Society of Environmental Medicine worked together to assess the situation and determine a hypothesis.
Before directly looking at the current situation, the team reviewed previous virus scenarios to help gain an understanding of past epidemic trends. Several past studies showed that increases of infection are related to airborne PM concentration levels. Ambient influenza A virus was notably higher when PM was above typical amounts during the Asian dusty days. A study on the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) also showed a positive correlation between the infection rate and PM.
Observing past studies, the team determined that it's possible for PM to be an effective carrier for viruses, spreading to the population. With this possibility, researching whether particulate matter acts similarly with COVID-19 is important to perform, and this team of experts has been hard at work in Italy.
Particulate Matter and COVID-19 Relation
After assessing many previous outbreaks and their own correlation between its virus and particulate matter, the team began work on the main purpose of finding a possible correlation between COVID-19 and PM.
They looked at data associations between the daily limit exceedances of PM10 and COVID-19 diffusion rates. The team found that Coronavirus outbreaks were higher than normal in Pianura Padana and other northern regions of Italy. This association led the team to form a hypothesis that believes in a direct relationship between particulate matter and COVID-19 in specific Italian regions.
In southern regions of Italy, the COVID-19 spreading reflected epidemic models based on typical transmission through person-to-person contact. The northern regions and in Pianura Padana suggest that the diffusion of the virus was boosted by a carrier agent. The boost in this area could be seen when PM10 levels registered above the daily limit, supporting the team's hypothesis.
Conclusions and Suggestions
Based on data associations and observed correlations, the team found that how the COVID-19 infection spread in selected regions of northern Italy is supposed to be related to PM10 pollution. The team also concluded that during February 7 - 29 in specific regions of northern Italy, the PM10 levels that exceeded the daily limit created a boost in the spread of the Coronavirus to those in contact with the particles.
Moving forward, the team will continue to look at how environmental factors like temperature and humidity affect the effectiveness of viruses in the atmosphere. Based on the associations found in the report, the team suggests that policymakers take the findings into account and take action to help reduce spreading through particulate matter.
Misting cannons are an effective way to drop airborne dust particles to the ground and keep those in contact safe from inhaling harmful substances. These systems work to control particulate matter in various job sites around the world.
References
Misting cannon assisting in controlling particulate matter!
Based on data associations and observed correlations, the team found that how the COVID-19 infection spread in selected regions of northern Italy is supposed to be related to PM10 pollution. The team also concluded that during February 7 - 29 in specific regions of northern Italy, the PM10 levels that exceeded the daily limit created a boost in the spread of the Coronavirus to those in contact with the particles.
Moving forward, the team will continue to look at how environmental factors like temperature and humidity affect the effectiveness of viruses in the atmosphere. Based on the associations found in the report, the team suggests that policymakers take the findings into account and take action to help reduce spreading through particulate matter.
Misting cannons are an effective way to drop airborne dust particles to the ground and keep those in contact safe from inhaling harmful substances. These systems work to control particulate matter in various job sites around the world.
Misting cannon assisting in controlling particulate matter!
References
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