Air pollution has been linked to significantly higher rates of death in people with Covid-19, according to analysis. The research, conducted by researchers at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health in Boston, shows that even a tiny, single-unit increase in particle pollution levels in the years before the pandemic is associated with a 15% increase in the death rate. The findings calculate that slightly cleaner air in Manhattan in the past could have saved hundreds of lives. Given the large differences in toxic air levels across countries, the research suggests people in polluted areas are far more likely to die from the coronavirus than those living in cleaner areas. The scientists said dirty air was already known to increase the risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome, which is extremely deadly and a cause of Covid-19-related deaths, as well as other respiratory and heart problems. The scientists said their findings could be used to ensure that areas with high levels of air pollution take extra precautions to slow the spread of the virus.

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