Air Pollution Exposure Linked to Elevated COVID-19 Incidence
A link between prolonged exposure to outdoor air pollution and adverse health effects related to COVID-19 has been observed in a recent study from the Health Effects Institute (HEI). ()
Lead author Dr. Zorana Andersen and her team at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, conducted a comprehensive investigation involving 3.7 million adults in Denmark from March 2020 to April 2021. The study focused on various outdoor air pollutants, such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5), coarse particulate matter (PM10), black carbon, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone.
No Significant Link Between Ozone Exposure and COVID-19 Incidence
Notably, no significant associations were found between ozone exposure and COVID-19 incidence. The study identified older adults and individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds as having the highest risk of contracting COVID-19.‘Study indicates increased risks of COVID-19 incidence, hospitalizations, and mortality associated with long-term exposure to PM2.5, PM10, black carbon, and nitrogen dioxide. #covid19 #airpollution #enviromentalhealth #cleanplanet’
Among the pollutants studied, nitrogen dioxide, primarily derived from fossil fuel combustion, especially in motor vehicles, showed the strongest correlation with elevated risks of COVID-19 incidence and hospitalizations. Conversely, fine particulate matter, originating from industrial and agricultural activities, wildfires, and fuel combustion, demonstrated the highest risk of COVID-19 mortality.
Additionally, the research suggests that individuals in lower socioeconomic groups and those with pre-existing chronic cardiorespiratory diseases, influenza, or dementia may be particularly vulnerable.
Reference:
- Long-term exposure to air pollution and risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 hospitalisation or death: Danish nationwide cohort study - (https:pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37343976/)