The Carbon Dioxide = Miasma Hypothesis

Abstract

This article demonstrates the nature of infectious diseases; the invasion of the human body by pathogens and the subsequent spread of the pathogens in the societies; modes of transmission and the kinds of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs); and cluster infections with special reference to SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. Control of COVID-19 is difficult due to airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 with high emission rates of quants (ERq) during vocalization and opening of the mouth in the late stages of the incubation period.The concentration of carbon dioxide is a good indicator of viral transmission in the so-called “Three Cs” situation; crowded places, close contact settings, and confined and enclosed spaces. High carbon dioxide concentration may also influence the efficacy of viral transmission by changing the respiratory mechanism/behavior, and by altering the survival rate of the virus in the aerosols. In the 19 Century, hygienists like Pettenkofer emphasized the importance of ventilation for the control of infectious diseases. In the absence of decisive pharmaceutical interventions (PIs) in the middle of 2021, it is important to reduce indoor carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide may be seen as the miasma of the 21 Century.