Air pollution increases the death rate from COVID-19.
A Harvard study found that areas of the U.S. with higher levels of fine particulates had higher death rates from COVID-19. The study’s authors estimate that even moderately higher long-term levels of fine particulate pollution correspond to an eight percent higher death rate from COVID-19. A study in England observed a correlation between levels of nitrogen oxides and ozone and COVID-19 mortality. (Neither of these two studies has yet been peer-reviewed.) Researchers studying COVID-19 in Italy observed that regions, where COVID-19 has been most lethal, are also places that suffer from some of the worst air pollutions in Europe. They point out that air pollution inflames the lungs, which may leave patients more vulnerable. Based on observations like these, the World Health Organization has cautioned countries that polluted areas may be hit harder by the COVID-19 outbreak, and to prepare accordingly.
A new study led by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health and published in the journal Lancet Planetary Health, finds that China’s countrywide ban on traffic mobility from February 10 to March 14 greatly limited automobile emissions and sharply reduced the country’s often severe air pollution.
The improved air quality, in turn, prevented thousands of pollution-related deaths. More premature deaths were avoided by cleaner air—an estimated 12,125—than lives lost from the pandemic—4,633 as of May 4, the study finds.
The question is how do we build a balanced future? One thing we can do in everyday activities that dependent more physically and less on machines.
Sources:
- https://youtu.be/tZK_Mm8XJIQ
- https://environmentamerica.org/blogs/environment-america-blog/ame/covid-19-bad-dirty-air-makes-it-worse
- https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/24721/
- https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/dec/06/cutting-air-pollution-can-prevent-deaths-within-weeks
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