New Research Links Air Pollution to Higher Coronavirus Death Rates

A recent article in the New York Times highlights a new study showing that high levels of air pollution are associated with higher rates of death due to COVID-19. The study focused on PM2.5, a fine particulate matter that can be formed by the combustion of fuels. 

"For weeks, public health officials have surmised a link between dirty air and death or serious illness from Covid-19, which is caused by the coronavirus. The Harvard analysis is the first nationwide study to show a statistical link, revealing a “large overlap” between Covid-19 deaths and other diseases associated with long-term exposure to fine particulate matter," according to the article.

The study found that "if Manhattan had lowered its average particulate matter level by just a single unit, or one microgram per cubic meter, over the past 20 years, the borough would most likely have seen 248 fewer Covid-19 deaths by this point in the outbreak."

Read the full article here.