Air pollution linked to higher Covid-19 mortality

A new analysis of more than 3,000 counties in the US. Has found that people with longterm exposure to fine-particle pollutants may be more likely to die from COVID-19. Findings which may make policymakers reexamine the harms of air pollution and help reduce deaths during the pandemic.

Impact of Long Term Exposure to PM 2.5 Pollutants

The research, published in the journal Science Advances. Investigated the impact of long-term exposure to PM 2.5 pollutants. Tiny particles in the air that are two and one half microns or less in width. On Covid-19 mortality rates in 3089 counties in the US, “covering 98 per cent of the population.”

Covid-19 Mortality Rates

It found that “higher historical exposure” to these particulate pollutants is associated with greater county-level. Covid-19 mortality rates after accounting for several area-level risk factors.

Chronic Exposure to PM 2.5

The study could not provide insights into the mechanism underlying the relationship. The scientists, including those from Harvard University in the US, believe chronic exposure to PM 2.5 may cause over production of the ACE-2 receptor in the lungs.