Transmission of viruses and other pathogenic microorganisms via road dust: Emissions, characterization, health risks, and mitigation measures

Abstract

Road dust pollution is a complex atmospheric issue that poses a significant ecotoxicological threat to human health and the environment. The presence of viruses in road dust can put humans at risk of infection, as airborne viral particles are a potential synergist to respiratory infirmities, leading to widespread mortality and morbidity. This corroborates the increasing number of desk-based studies on the effects of road dust. However, the role of road dust in the spread and pathogenicity of viruses has scarcely been explored, and there is still no certainty regarding whether road dust participates in viral transmission or causes infectious diseases. Therefore, the current knowledge and mechanisms of road-dust-associated viruses and other pathogenic microorganisms are critically reviewed, highlighting the importance of keeping an eye out for road-dust-associated viruses, as they represent hotspots for viral transmission. In this overview, we evaluate the emissions, associated contaminants, and public health implications of exposure to road-dust-associated viruses. A summary of potential mitigation measures is also presented, highlighting critical knowledge gaps, challenges, and future research directions that require urgent draconian measures. This overview is intended to serve as a seminal reference and management pivot for enhancing global pollution mitigation policies, development of analytical models/methods, periodic monitoring of road dust-associated viruses, and the transport of other pathogenic microorganisms.