London, November 18 : .People with Covid who have been exposed to long-term air pollution are at greater risk of ending up in intensive or hospital care.Study results showed a link between increased exposure to Nitrogen Dioxide and fine particulate Matter (PM2.5), and worsening disease symptoms in severe cases, especially those that were admitted to the hospital.
According to the Barcelona Institute of Global Health researchers (ISGlobal), PM2.5 association was stronger in men older than 60 and those living in areas that are socioeconomically poor.
Studies in the past have shown that Covid-19 deaths and cases were higher in areas with high levels of pre-pandemic air pollution.These associations may not be explained by air pollution.
It could encourage airborne transmission or increase the risk of infection.
Manolis Kogevinas (researcher at ISGlobal) said that the problem was that prior studies had relied on cases reported, and missed any asymptomatic cases.
The team performed a number of viral-specific antibody tests on a group of Catalonian adults.This was followed by information about the lung health of the individuals.
Environment Health Perspectives published the study.It included 9605 participants, of which 481 cases were confirmed (5%) Blood samples were also taken from more than 4,000 people to assess the amount and presence of IgM and IgA antibodies against five viruses.
Only 18% of these people had virus-specific antibody responses, although no correlation was observed between exposure to pollutants and infection.The association between greater exposure to PM2.5 and IgG specific to the five virus antigens was observed in those who had been diagnosed as seropositive.This indicates a higher level of viral burden or severity.
Kogevinas stated that “our study presents the strongest evidence worldwide on the association between ambient air pollution, Covid-19,” These results match the associations between hospitalisation and air pollution for respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia or influenza.
Air pollution may also be a contributing factor in the development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, and other conditions.
This can increase the likelihood of developing severe Covid-19.
According to the team, the findings provide further support for public health benefits from reducing levels of air pollution and emphasize the impact of environmental factors on the spread of infectious diseases.
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