The correlation between fine particulate matter and the severity of influenza waves is said to be well known to epidemiologists. Fine particles, also known as PM2.5 have an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers and are produced from combustion processes, vehicles and industrial sources. Researchers from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) investigated possible interactions between acutely elevated levels of fine particulate matter and the virulence of the coronavirus disease. His research team has been able to show that these increases in cases followed phases where the levels of fine particles in the air were higher. Inflammation also promotes the attachment of the virus to cells and the coronavirus may also be transported by the fine particles.

Source: The Herald November 24, 2020 12:11 UTC