Air pollution increases risk of infection and severity of illness from COVID-19

People who live in areas with poor air quality are more likely to become infected with SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, the symptoms of COVID-19 are more severe, leading to more hospitalisations and deaths. This is the outcome of a study conducted by RIVM, Utrecht University, Wageningen University & Research and the Netherlands Municipal Public Health Services and Medical Assistance in Accidents and Disasters. It was already known that air pollution increases the risk of respiratory diseases, including respiratory infections. Research conducted abroad previously showed that the same is true for COVID-19. The Dutch study confirms this. The results highlight the importance of clean(er) air in the Netherlands. Scientifically, they offer insights for future epidemics