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Environmental concerns increase spread and severity of diseases like Covid-19, study finds
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Deforestation; air, soil and water pollution; immortal waste and other environmental problems are “intrinsically linked” to the increasing frequency and mortality of zoonotic diseases such as Covid-19. That’s according to a study led by Sharjah-based Beeah Environmental Services, published by Elsevier in its journal Advances in Health and Environmental Health.
Studies of more than 700,000 viruses from high-risk virus families observed since the 1980s have informed the evidence-based review. The study found that through improved environmental management, the risk of infectious zoonotic disease outbreaks could be mitigated and ultimately prevent future pandemic outbreaks similar to Covid-19.
“Healthy environmental ecosystems create sanitary barriers that limit the spread of disease. In addition, protection from the effects of climate change may play an important role in minimizing the impact and spread of infectious diseases. Therefore, we must increase our focus on protecting the environment, to improve our resilience to future epidemics,” said Mohamed AlHosani, chief sustainability officer at Beeah Group, co-author of the study.
deforestation
According to research, deforestation has been reported to increase susceptibility to Covid-19 due to wildfire-induced pollution and loss of forest ecosystem services. Thus, forest fragmentation and biodiversity loss have the potential to exacerbate the spread of viruses and diseases.
“Deforestation may lead to environmental destruction and alteration of zoonotic habitats, leading to an increase in the frequency of human and domestic animal contact with potentially zoonotic wildlife reservoirs. This increases our exposure to animals that can move between species The potential for infectious diseases to spread to humans,” said Dr Hashem Stietiya, Director of Research and Development at Beeah Environmental Services.
poor air quality
The study highlights the fact that poor air quality can lead to decreased immune responses, affect lung function, and further facilitate virus transmission. Least developed countries are particularly at risk because environmental mismanagement is more common.
In a previous publication by the University of Sharjah, Beeah Environment Services found significant improvements in air quality due to restricted mobility due to Covid-19 lockdown measures.
“Following this study, we became curious about the relationship between air quality and virus transmission. We began to conduct evidence-based research on virus transmission, which clearly shows that environmental management can reduce the risk of future epidemics, improve quality, It certainly has the potential to help improve overall public health,” Dr Stietiya added.
waste management
The lack of protection and safe disposal options has raised concerns about viruses and diseases with high contagion rates, the study reported. This is because solid waste may contain droplets, body fluids and blood that may be contaminated with live viruses. In addition, inadequate legal frameworks and non-compliance with environmental regulations also heighten the risk and vulnerability to future waves of epidemics.
“Taken together, these findings demonstrate that thoughtful management of environmental factors such as deforestation, air quality and waste can help not only predict the severity of the pandemic, but also the management of disease,” said Dr. Stietiya.
Alhosani added: “Since the start of the pandemic, countries around the world have been prioritizing economic recovery efforts and securing agricultural production. This affects global sustainable development efforts, otherwise the severity of future outbreaks may intensify.
“Now, as the economy moves from recovery to transformation and growth, sustainability through environmental stewardship must be a key priority to ensure we are better prepared to mitigate any risk of future outbreaks.”
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