Contemporary Conservation: NO2, COVID-19, and Air Pollution Analysis

This report investigates the connection between nitrogen dioxide (NO2), the COVID-19 pandemic, and air pollution. It begins by defining NO2, outlining its sources (primarily fuel combustion) and the health risks associated with it, such as respiratory issues. The report then examines how the pandemic, with its associated restrictions on transportation and industrial activities, led to a decrease in air pollution levels, specifically impacting NO2, methane, and carbon dioxide emissions. Finally, it discusses the heightened risk of COVID-19 complications in polluted areas, emphasizing that compromised lung health due to pollution can reduce the body's ability to fight the virus. The report references studies and data to support its findings, highlighting the complex interplay between environmental factors and public health.

Running head: CONTEMPORARY CONSERVATION IN AUSTRALIA
CONTEMPORARY CONSERVATION IN AUSTRALIA
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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Response to Question 1: NO2 and its source
One of the groups consisting of majorly reactive gases, which is oxides of nitrogen is
known by the term Nitrogen Dioxide. Raised levels of NO2 can elevate the potential of
respiratory concerns by inflaming lung's lining as well as reduces the immunity for fighting
lung infections. The problems arising from NO2 can be flu, colds, cough, bronchitis and
wheezing (Chen, Zhang & You, 2020). The main source for NO2 is the practice of burning
fuel, combustion of fossil fuel from coal, oil, and gas, specifically from vehicles. Other
sources of NO2 can be a food manufacturing process, welding, refining metals, and petrol.
Response to Question 2: Relationship between the decreased rate of air pollution and
COVID-19 pandemic
The occurrence of the pandemic disease has significantly decreased the level of air
pollution from the atmospheric level, marking an evident relationship between the two. With
the restrictions imposed due to the alarming situation of spreading the virus, transportation,
industrial activities, and daily practices are stopped. The period of 'staying at home' is
reducing the activities related to deriving NO2, methane and Carbon dioxide
(Fox5atlanta.com, 2020). The declaration of self-isolation and stay-at-home advice have
resulted in a decrease in air pollution.
Response to Question 3:
Highly polluted areas significantly affect the respiratory organs and decrease the
immunity of the lungs, which may not be evident or reflect greater symptoms but it does
affect the human lungs. COVID-19 symptoms are majorly concentrated with the deteriorating
condition of lungs and flu. The risk of complications because of the virus spread of COVID-
19 will potentially be higher in the areas with pollution as it will directly target the respiratory
system or lungs (Chen, Zhang & You, 2020). Thus, poor conditions of lungs will result in a

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higher risk of not being able to fight from the virus due to a lower immunity rate and can
result in severe conditions.

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References:
Fox5atlanta.com (2020). Air pollution drops across the globe amid COVID-19 pandemic,
data suggests. FOX 5 Atlanta. Retrieved from https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/air-
pollution-drops-across-the-globe-amid-covid-19-pandemic-data-suggests.
Chen, L., Zhang, J., & You, Y. (2020). Air pollution, environmental perceptions, and citizen
satisfaction: A mediation analysis. Environmental Research, 184, 109287.