Biomass use and COVID-19: A novel concern
Megha Thakur, Esther A. Boudewijns, Giridhara R. Babu, Onno C. P. van Schayck
Abstract
Evidence supports the link between air pollution and COVID-19 and thus it is likely that exposure to biomass smoke is associated with COVID-19. The poor, including refugees and migrant workers staying in fragile conditions, are most vulnerable. An outbreak of COVID-19 in a place where the concept of physical distancing is next to impossible could easily overwhelm the public health system. It is thus essential to understand the consequences of being exposed to smoke in relation to COVID-19 infection.
Topics & Concepts
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)OutbreakPandemicEnvironmental health2019-20 coronavirus outbreakSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Social distancePublic healthRefugeeSmokeEnvironmental scienceGeographyVirologyMedicineMeteorologyInfectious disease (medical specialty)NursingPathologyDiseaseArchaeologyEnergy and Environment ImpactsCOVID-19 impact on air qualityAir Quality and Health Impacts