Environmental Factors Affecting the Incidence, Infection and Mortality Rates of COVID-19: A Systematic Review

Environmental factors can play a role in incidence, infection, and mortality rates of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). In this study, we performed a systematic review of environmental factors affecting the incidence, infection, and mortality rates of COVID-19.

In this review, articles, case studies, and official reports were searched in electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Magiran, and Scientific Information Database (SID)  using the following keywords: COVID-19, Environmental factors, Air pollution, Temperature and humidity, Water and wastewater, and Coronavirus. Studies on the relationship between environmental factors affecting infection and mortality rates of COVID-19 published until July 2021 were selected. Qualitative evaluation of articles was performed using the STROBE checklist.

Out of 62 articles found 30 were reviewed. Air pollution, temperature, humidity, water, wastewater, and waste could play a role in incidence, infection, and mortality rates of COVID-19. Environmental control was found to be effective in preventing the spread of infection and reducing the mortality rate of COVID-19. Improving environmental performance could be of great benefit in preventing the spread of many diseases, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Ensuring global environmental performance is essential to protect all countries against COVID-19 and other public health hazards. Meanwhile, more investment in research and development is needed.