Study of Covid deaths in England is latest to find air pollution link

Single-unit rise in exposure to small-particle pollution over previous decade may increase death rate by up to 6%

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Long-term exposure to air pollution may increase the risk of death from Covid-19, according to a large study by the Office for National Statistics.

It analysed more than 46,000 coronavirus deaths in England and showed that a small, single-unit increase in people’s exposure to small-particle pollution over the previous decade may increase the death rate by up to 6%. A single-unit increase in nitrogen dioxide, which is at illegal levels in most urban areas, was linked to a 2% increase in death rates.

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