Abstract
Rapid and unchecked industrialization and the combustion of fossil fuels have engendered a state of fear in urban settlements. Smog is a visible form of air pollution that arises due to the over-emissions of some primary pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hydrocarbons, SO2, NO, and NO2 which further react in the atmosphere and give rise to toxic and carcinogenic secondary smog components. Smog reduces the visibility on roads and results in road accidents and cancellation of flights. Uptake of primary and secondary pollutants of smog is responsible for several deleterious diseases of which respiratory disorders, cardiovascular dysfunction, neurological disorders, and cancer are discussed here. Children and pregnant women are more prone to the hazards of smog. The worsening menace of smog on one hand and occurrence of pandemic i.e., COVID-19 on the other may increase the mortality rate. But the implementation of lockdown during pandemics has favored the atmosphere in some ways, which will be highlighted in the article. On the whole, the focus of this article will be on the dubious relationship between smog and coronavirus.
Highlights
Introduction published maps and institutional affilThe word smog is an amalgamation of two words, ‘smoke’ and ‘fog’
There are environment protection agencies that work for the improvement of air quality in the region because it affects nature as well as humans. The implication of these standards and regulations during a pandemic is important as they help to monitor the air quality of different regions. These standards make sure that pollutants concentrations do not cross the threshold levels i.e., maximum permitted level (MPL), and if some have already crossed that limit how could we reduce their concentration to MPLs
Since COVID-19 is a respiratory disease, it is investigated that smog results in the transmission of coronavirus, and SARS-CoV-2 can remain feasible in the air for hours [97]
Summary
We have searched PubMed for the articles that discussed the relationship between smog and coronavirus disease and have to obtain the most relevant studies using simple keywords “Smog”, “Air pollution”, “Coronavirus” and “COVID-19”. In December residents of London burned the high sulfur coal [2] to keep themselves warm This black smoke escaped from their chimneys and mixed with fog [34]. This smog cooled by air covered the atmosphere and blocked the sunlight This black haze proved to be hazardous when converted into sulfur dioxide and sulfuric acid (i.e., corrosive) and affected the eyes, skin, respiratory and cardiac systems of Londoners [33]. This smog caused an increase in hospitalization (48%), respiratory diseases (163%), and asthma in newborn children (20%) [35].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
