Air Pollution May Increase Risk of COVID-19 Mortality

Individuals living in areas with high levels of air pollution—such as Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas—may be at greater risk of death due to COVID-19, according to new research published in Science Advances. Researchers evaluated both air pollution levels and death rates due to COVID-19 in 3,000 American counties. The analysis did not find causation, but it did uncover a relationship between high pollution levels and increased number of COVID-19 deaths. Study authors suggest that those living in areas with high levels of air pollution should stringently follow social distancing, mask wearing, and handwashing guidelines to prevent infection with the novel coronavirus. Read more here.