Air pollution exposure associated with higher risk of developing Covid-19

Long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with a higher risk of developing Covid-19, according to a new study led by the Barcelona Institute of Global Health. 

The study included over 9,000 participants among which there were 481 confirmed cases. 

For the total study population, an association was found between higher exposure to nitrogen oxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM2.5) and covid-19 symptoms, particularly for severe cases that ended in the hospital or in intensive care.

The association with PM2.5 was stronger for men over 60 years of age and people living in socioeconomically deprived areas.

‘Our study provides the strongest evidence globally on the association of ambient air pollution and Covid-19,’ says Manolis Kogevinas, ISGlobal researcher and first author of the study.

‘These results are in line with the association between air pollution and hospitalization described for other respiratory diseases such as influenza or pneumonia.

‘Air pollution could also contribute by favouring the development of cardiovascular, respiratory or other chronic conditions, which in turn increase the risk of severe Covid-19.’

The authors conclude that the results provide additional support for the public health benefits of reducing air pollution levels, and highlight the influence of environmental factors on infectious diseases.