Short-term health effects of air quality changes during the COVID‑19 pandemic in the City of Novi Sad, the Republic of Serbia

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this research is to determine the change in outdoor air quality during COVID­19 related state emergency resulting a lockdown and potential health benefits for urban population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During 53 days with (March 15-May 6, 2020) Republic Serbia, as well corresponding periods 2018 2019, data on daily sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen (NO2), ground-level ozone (O3) particulate matter (PM10 PM2.5) concentrations were analyzed. total mortality analyzed estimate impact measures burden given population, attributed City Novi Sad, using AirQ+ software. RESULTS: average PM2.5, NO2, PM10 SO2 reduced by 35%, 34%, 23% 18%, respectively. In contrast, concentration O3 increased 8%, even if primary precursors reducing, thus representing challenge management. reduction PM2.5 11.23 µg/m³ was significant, which resulted quantified number avoided deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Air pollution Sad had chance be improved due some preventive infectious disease (the lockdown), turn mitigation measure positive public effects. confirmed effects could also include raising collective resistance mass non-communicable diseases such reducing economic costs. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(2):223-37.