Air pollution is associated with a more severe course of COVID-19, an international team of scientists with the participation of specialists from the University of Toronto found out. They talked about this in an article in CMAJ magazine.

The researchers analyzed information about all residents of Ontario who recovered from COVID-19 - more than 151 thousand people. By studying the distribution of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ground-level ozone (O3) in the air, the researchers found that patients' condition worsened at higher concentrations.

In addition, chronic O3 exposure was associated with an increased risk of death from COVID-19.

The results confirm the data collected earlier in other countries, the scientists note. However, the specific mechanisms through which pollutants can influence the course of the disease remain to be explored.