Scientists think air pollution is likely to increase complications and mortality rates of COVID-19—making this is yet another area where biotech can help.
While there are no studies specifically examining this (yet), experts say damage to lungs from poor air quality or smoke inhalation “may increase the risk of respiratory tract infections from viruses such as the novel coronavirus. Poor air can also cause lung inflammation that could worsen the symptoms of COVID-19,” reports The Washington Post.
Others point specifically to air pollution from fossil fuels. “Emissions from petrol and diesel engines were still at ‘dangerous’ levels that could imperil the most vulnerable during this and future pandemics, said the European Respiratory Society (EPS),” because patients with “chronic lung and heart conditions caused or worsened by long-term exposure to air pollution are less able to fight off lung infections and more likely to die,” reports The Star Malaysia.
During the 2003 SARS epidemic, “patients in regions with moderate air pollution levels were 84 percent more likely to die than those in regions with low air pollution,” continues The Star.
And we’re seeing evidence this could be the case in Northern Italy, a COVID-19 hotspot, which has “particularly high levels of PM10—microscopic particles of pollution due largely to road traffic.”
But low-carbon fuel standards may help. The American Lung Association and Environmental Defense Fund found these standards, combined with statewide carbon pollution limits, have “helped avoid nearly 90,000 cases of respiratory symptoms, 8,000 cases of asthma-related health issues, and 15,000 lost work days,” says the Natural Resources Defense Council.
The bottom line? There’s a role for everyone in the biotech industry. While many companies are working hard on R&D for COVID-19 vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics, others continue to develop and bring to market innovative, low-carbon biofuels and support low-carbon fuel standards nationwide, which are not only good for the environment but might also save lives.
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