Home / Environment / Cruise Ship Pollution Fuels Virus Spread
Cruise Ship Pollution Fuels Virus Spread
10 Jul
Summary
- Cruise ship pollution components increase inflammation and weaken cell resistance.
- Specific metals from cruise ship fuel act as a pollution signature.
- Vanadium in pollution particles may boost viral replication, study suggests.
A study has revealed that air pollution originating from cruise ships could be contributing to the spread of viruses, including Covid-19 and the common cold. Researchers at the University of Southampton traced pollution components in the city to cruise ships docked at the port.
Through laboratory analysis, scientists discovered that elements within tiny pollution particles, such as vanadium, nickel, and cobalt, were identified as a distinct fingerprint of cruise ship emissions. These particles were found to increase inflammatory signals and compromise the natural defenses of cells against infection.
Further investigations indicated that vanadium, in particular, might enhance viral concentrations. The study highlighted that these ultrafine particles and their components are largely unregulated and unmonitored. While Associated British Ports (ABP) stated they are proud of their pollution reduction efforts and the economic contributions to the local area, they also expressed concerns regarding the study's methodology.
