people worldwide die prematurely as a result of exposure to ambient ( outdoor ) air pollution . 5
Air pollutants harm the body via several mechanisms . Fine particulate matter and other air toxics are known to injure the hair-like cilia that line the respiratory tract and act as first-line defenders to remove harmful microorganisms . Inflammation and cellular damage from pollution hamper the immune system charged with protecting the body from invading organisms like coronavirus . When these natural defenses are impaired , infections from respiratory viruses like coronavirus are more likely to occur . Likewise , severe complications and higher death rates from respiratory infections are expected . 6 breathing polluted air , creates an increased risk factor for poor health outcomes . Early in the pandemic , researchers studying the regional impact of COVID-19 in Northern Italy ’ s Po Valley noted that “ the highest number of COVID-19 cases were recorded in the most polluted regions with patients presenting with more severe forms of the disease requiring ICU admission .” Mortality was two times higher compared to other regions in Italy . 10 In China , a study examined shortterm exposure to air pollution and found “ a significant relationship between air pollution and COVID-19 infection ,” with positive associations seen with large and small particle pollution ( PM10 and PM2.5 ), nitrogen dioxide , and groundlevel ozone . 11
Long-term exposure to air pollution is also associated with the development of obesity and its related health complications of hypertension , kidney disease , liver dysfunction , and type 2 diabetes . These so-called “ comorbidities ,” or simultaneously existing diseases or medical conditions , are known to increase the risk of poor outcomes in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 . 7
Air Pollution Exacerbates COVID-19
Coronavirus is a respiratory virus that initially gains access into cells lining the airway . The virus replicates inside the cell before injuring or killing
In the United States , new research from the Harvard T . H . Chan School of Public Health indicates that exposure to even small increases in long-term fine particle pollution ( PM 2.5 ) is associated with an increase in the death rate from COVID-19 .
In the United States , recent research from the Harvard T . H . Chan School of Public Health indicates that exposure to even small increases in longterm fine particle pollution ( PM 2.5 ) is associated with an increase in the death rate from COVID-19 . The researchers underscored the importance of enforcing existing regulations that limit air pollution in order to protect public health during ( and after ) the pandemic . 12 Another study from the Georgia State University Andrew Young School of Policy Studies also found a relationship between PM 2.5 exposure and disease and death from COVID-19 . 13
Chronic exposure to air it , and then moves on to other cells , causing more damage . pollution and high rates of COVID-19 disproportionally affect Symptomatic individuals with COVID-19 typically complain Black people , Native Americans , and Latinx people . 14 In of respiratory symptoms : nasal congestion , cough , and large measure this reflects discriminatory housing patterns : shortness of breath . In addition , fever or chills , headache , Poor people and minorities are more likely to live in heavily fatigue and muscle aches are commonly reported . 8 polluted communities . People living near fixed sources of air Neurological symptoms , including loss of smell and taste , and pollution ( factories and power plants ) and mobile sources problems with cognition (“ COVID-19 Fog ”), are not unusual . 9 ( highways , shipping lanes , airports ) experience greater health impacts from pollution . We now know that this same Severe damage to the respiratory tract in patients with population is experiencing higher numbers of COVID-19 COVID-19 , in combination with lungs already damaged from infections , clinical complications , and deaths . 15 These
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