Analysis Links Poor Air Quality to Increased COVID-19 Deaths

In the Netherlands, researchers identify a correlation between pollution and COVID-19 cases, hospital admissions, and deaths.

Written byLisa Winter

| 2 min read

Save for Later

Listen with Speechify

0:00

2:00

ABOVE: © ISTOCK.COM,
HANSENN

Air pollution and COVID-19 are both well known in causing or exacerbating respiratory distress, and a new analysis suggests that the two factors may interact. As part of a series of reports from the IZA Institute of Labor Economics, researchers have found that regions in the Netherlands with higher air pollution have greater numbers of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. However, they stress that the findings do not prove a causal relationship.

The Netherlands, home to more than 17 million people, has experienced more than 50,000 cases of COVID-19. The study compared air quality readings from 355 municipalities in the country, including data on nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and fine particulate matter. The team found that areas that had even slightly higher pollutant levels tended to have more cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. The authors calculated that if the most polluted areas, which measured a 12.3 µg/m3 concentration ...

Interested in reading more?

The Scientist ARCHIVES

Become a Member of

Receive full access to more than 35 years of archives, as well as TS Digest, digital editions of The Scientist, feature stories, and much more!

Join for free today

Already a member? Login Here

Meet the Author

Lisa Winter
Lisa joined The Scientist in 2017. As social media editor, some of her duties include creating content, managing interactions, and developing strategies for the brand’s social media presence. She also contributes to the News & Opinion section of the website. Lisa holds a degree in Biological Sciences with a concentration in genetics, cell, and developmental biology from Arizona State University and has worked in science communication since 2012.
View Full Profile