Research has shown that long term exposure to pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO?) and sulphur dioxide (SO?) can reduce lung function and cause respiratory illness.
These pollutants have also been shown to cause a persistent inflammatory response even in the relatively young and to increase the risk of infection by viruses that target the respiratory tract.
The pathogen that causes COVID-19 SARS-CoV-2 is one such virus. Several studies have already suggested that poor air quality can leave people at greater risk of contracting the virus, and at greater risk of serious illness and death.
A study of the US found that even a small increase in PM2.5 concentrations of 1 microgram per cubic metre is associated with an 8% increase in the COVID-19 death rate.
