The potential influence of environmental factors, particularly air pollutants such as ozone (O3), on the dynamics and progression of COVID-19 remains a significant concern. This study aimed to systematically review and analyze the current body of literature to assess the impact of short-term ozone exposure on COVID-19 transmission dynamics and disease evolution. A rigorous systematic review was conducted in March 2023, covering studies from January 2020 to January 2023 found in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. We followed the PRISMA guidelines and PROSPERO criteria, focusing exclusively on the effects of short-term ozone exposure on COVID-19. The literature search was restricted to English-language journal articles, with the inclusion and exclusion criteria strictly adhered to. Out of 4674 identified studies, 18 fulfilled the inclusion criteria, conducted across eight countries. The findings showed a varied association between short-term ozone exposure and COVID-19 incidence, severity, and mortality. Some studies reported a higher association between ozone exposure and incidence in institutional settings (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.00-1.13) compared to the general population (OR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.98-1.03). The present research identified a positive association between ozone exposure and both total and active COVID-19 cases as well as related deaths (coefficient for cases: 0.214; for recoveries: 0.216; for active cases: 0.467; for deaths: 0.215). Other studies also found positive associations between ozone levels and COVID-19 cases and deaths, while fewer reports identified a negative association between ozone exposure and COVID-19 incidence (coefficient: -0.187) and mortality (coefficient: -0.215). Conversely, some studies found no significant association between ozone exposure and COVID-19, suggesting a complex and potentially region-specific relationship. The relationship between short-term ozone exposure and COVID-19 dynamics is complex and multifaceted, indicating both positive and negative associations. These variations are possibly due to demographic and regional factors. Further research is necessary to bridge current knowledge gaps, especially considering the potential influence of short-term O3 exposure on COVID-19 outcomes and the broader implications on public health policy and preventive strategies during pandemics.
Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; environmental health; ozone.