GlobalHealth Threats

Updated 3 November: Another study echoes the fact that “… air pollution is an important cofactor increasing the risk of mortality from COVID-19”. The study modelled satellite data and global exposure to fine partials. Based on COVID-19 mortality data from the USA and China, air pollution contributed to about 15% to COVID-19 mortality worldwide. From a regional perspective air pollution contributed to around 27% COVID-19 mortality in East Asia and likewise; 19% in Europe and 17% in North America. 

Published 14 August: Long term exposure to air pollution may have an effect on COVID-19 associated fatality. A study, published by the United Kingdom's Office for National Statistics, evaluated the relationship between COVID-19 fatality and three major air pollutants that is particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and Ozone (O3). Other parameters such as sex, ethnicity, indices of multiple deprivation (IMD), smoking rates, cardiovascular co-morbidities, other co-morbidities and population density were also considered. A significant correlation was found between ethnicity and exposure to air pollution, and might explain the difference in COVID-19 outcomes in minority ethnic groups. Based on the study results, researchers conclude that “The effects of long-term exposure to air pollution as a factor that increases coronavirus (COVID-19) mortality appear smaller than those reported in previous studies -- though our upper-bounded estimates are similar in magnitude to some studies.” Further studies are needed to establish the causal relationship between air pollution and COVID-19 mortality.

Earlier studies done in the United States, Northern Italy and the Netherlands have suggested a strong correlation between long term exposure to air pollution before the pandemic and COVID-19 disease severity and risk of death.

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