Air Pollution Increases COVID-19 Risks – Eos
Air Pollution Increases COVID-19 Risks Eos
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Exposure to Air Pollution Increases COVID-19 Risks
Two new studies comparing medical outcomes and pollution levels in Belgium and Denmark have found that exposure to air pollution increases the risk of contracting COVID-19 and results in more severe disease. The studies, published in the European Respiratory Journal, highlight the importance of addressing air pollution to reduce deaths from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, as well as future pandemics.
A Population View
In the Danish study, researchers collected data from the Danish National COVID-19 Surveillance System on over 3.7 million people older than 30 living in the country during the first 14 months of the pandemic. These data were combined with pollution levels at people’s home addresses for the previous 20 years. The researchers had access to comprehensive data for testing, hospitalization, and death, allowing them to follow the entire population of the country.
The study found that increased long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter, even at levels within the European Union’s current legal standards, increased the risk of contracting COVID-19 by more than 10% and of being hospitalized by more than 9%. People exposed to higher levels of air pollution had a 23% greater chance of dying from the disease. Those from less affluent backgrounds or with certain chronic illnesses were most vulnerable to the combined effects of air pollution and COVID-19.
A Finer Look
The study out of Belgium focused on 328 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 between May 2020 and March 2021. By comparing pollution levels at the patients’ home addresses with their medical outcomes, the researchers found that those with higher exposure to air pollution in the week before being hospitalized stayed an average of four more days in the hospital. High exposure to nitrogen dioxide more than doubled the risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission. The study also found that exposure to air pollution was equivalent to being a decade older, and reduced exposure decreased patients’ hospitalization time by 40%-80%.
Strong Evidence
These studies provide clear and consistent evidence of the relationship between air pollution and COVID-19 severity. Previous ecological studies have shown a link between COVID-19 and air pollution, but these new studies consider the individual situation of each patient to avoid bias. The studies highlight the importance of universal health care policies in providing detailed data for research.
Clean Air, Good for All
Air pollution is the fourth greatest health risk factor, causing more than 6 million deaths every year. Small reductions in air pollution bring significant public health benefits. Lowering air pollution is an important part of pandemic preparedness, as high levels of air pollution can worsen the impact of future pandemics.
Citation: Barbuzano, J. (2023), Air pollution increases COVID-19 risks, Eos, 104, https://doi.org/10.1029/2023EO230298. Published on 2 August 2023.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. Specific Targets Based on the Article’s Content
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article
- Long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter increases the risk of contracting COVID-19, being hospitalized, and dying from the disease.
- Increased air pollution levels are associated with longer hospital stays for COVID-19 patients.
- High exposure to nitrogen dioxide more than doubles the risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission for COVID-19 patients.
- Higher levels of black carbon in the blood increase the likelihood of needing intensive care for COVID-19.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | – Increased risk of contracting COVID-19, hospitalization, and death from the disease due to long-term exposure to air pollution. – Vulnerability of certain populations (e.g., those with chronic illnesses) to the combined effects of air pollution and COVID-19. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | – Association between air pollution levels and longer hospital stays for COVID-19 patients. – High exposure to air pollution equivalent to being a decade older in terms of COVID-19 risk. – Reduction in hospitalization time with reduced exposure to air pollution. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | – Strong evidence of the relationship between air pollution and COVID-19 severity, highlighting the importance of lowering air pollution for pandemic preparedness. |
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Source: eos.org
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