Reduce air pollution to avert Covid surge in winter: Experts

As the densely-populated Dhaka city braces for serious air pollution in the dry season like previous years, health experts warn that dirty air during this winter may help coronavirus turn deadlier in terms of mortality rate, reports UNB.

They said the exposure to a high level of air pollution weakens people's respiratory and immune systems, causes various cold-related diseases, making them more susceptible to Covid-19.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also recently cautioned that the cities which have a higher level of air pollution should reinforce their preparedness against the deadly corona pandemic.

The experts said the government should immediately take effective preventive measures to contain the virus infection as well as combat air pollution during the winter.

The also said the use of masks by all must be ensured by enforcing law and motivating people as it is the most effective way to protect oneself from pollution and Covid-19.

Researchers at Harvard University found an increase of only one microgram per cubic metre in PM 2.5--dangerous tiny pollutants in the air-is associated with an 8.0 per cent increase in the Covid-19 death rate.

Another study in the Netherlands suggests that a small increase in exposure to pollution raised the death rate by up to 21 per cent.

A study by scientists at the University of Cambridge in the UK also found a correlation between the severity of Covid-19 infection and long-term exposure to air pollutants, including nitrogen oxides and ground-level ozone from car exhaust fumes or burning of fossil fuels.

Dr Be-Nazir Ahmed, former director (disease control) of the DGHS said people may become very susceptible to coronavirus like other respiratory viruses and flu-like diseases during the winter due to severe dust pollution, low humidity, less sunlight, mild vitamin D deficiency and weakened immunity.