The effects of atmospheric stability with low wind speed and of air pollution on the accelerated transmission dynamics of COVID-19

Abstract

The goal of this study is to explain the relation among atmospheric stability/turbulence (considering wind speed), air pollution and the spread of COVID-19 to provide insights into environmental risk factors of specific regions. Results reveal that cities with high atmospheric stability, based on a low wind speed, and frequently high levels of air pollution–exceeding safe levels of ozone or particulate matter–had higher numbers of COVID-19 related infected individuals and deaths. This finding suggests that atmospheric stability, based on low wind speed, reduces the dispersion of gaseous and particulate matters (air pollution), which can act as carrier of the SARS-CoV-2 in the air to sustain the diffusion of COVID-19 in environment, generating problems of public health in society.