- Concentrations of PM2.5 decreased by about 8% in Europe and 42% in Wuhan. 

Michigan State University

- A few studies have indicated that cities with poorer air quality are prone to a higher death rate of COVID-19 than cleaner ones 
-  A few studies reported significantly improved air quality and visibility in many cities which is most likely due to the reduced emissions from things such as industrial productions, local transport, power generations and many other economic activities.
- There is also evidence of reduced NO2 emissions and PM2.5 and an increase in ozone concentrations, which is most likely due to the COVID-19 lockdowns in some major cities. 
- Some research suggests that COVID-19 RNA can also be found in feces and in the air after flushing for over 30 minutes

Air Quality and COVID-19

Ching, J., & Kajino, M. (2020). Rethinking Air Quality and Climate Change after COVID-19. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(14), 5167. doi:10.3390/ijerph17145167

Air Quality and Climate Change Following the COVID-19 Pandemic

- There was a 53% reduction of NO2 in European urban areas due to restricted transport
- There was a 57% reduction of NO2 in Wuhan, China when compared to the 2017-2019 average level
Measurements of NO2 showed that extensive reductions of an average of 53% happened in urban areas in Europe due to restrictions on transport, and the reduction of NO2 in Wuhan, China amounted to 57% with respect to the 3-year average level 

NO2 Reductions Due to COVID-19 Lockdowns

PM2.5 Reductions Due to COVID-19 Lockdowns

- Research has shown that toilet flushes can produce toilet plumes containing COVID-19 particles, which can last in the air for over 30 minutes following a flush
- 95% of toilet flushing produces droplets less than 2 μm and >99% of toilet flushing produces droplets less than 5 μm in diameter
- The amount of airborne bioaerosols increases with flush energy
- Bioaerosols generated by toilet flushing contain live pathogens and in addition to lingering in the air, can contaminate surfaces


Learn Before

Related