Air pollution link to Covid-19 deaths

People exposed to polluted air are more likely to die from Covid-19, according to American research.

Scientists at Harvard found that even tiny increases in historic exposure to airborne particulates appears to increase the death rate by 15 per cent. Acute respiratory distress syndrome is associated with Covid-19-related deaths, as well as other respiratory and heart problems. And it’s known to be caused by polluted air. However, these startling facts may fall upon deaf ears. After all, even the coronavirus testing stations in America are drive-through.

Meanwhile, London’s polluted air has improved dramatically since Covid-19 restrictions on travel. However, long term exposure to air pollution is damaging to every major organ in the human body. And our increasingly sedentary lifestyles offer no salvation because the air in Britain is now so polluted that many building interiors are unable to offer sanctuary.

Buildings offer no sanctuary from polluted air

British children spend on average just 68 minutes a day outdoors. And to compound that, indoor air can be many times more polluted than external air. Air pollution has a disproportionate effect on the health of children. In fact, it now appears that air pollution may be damage our health before we are even born.

“here in the United Kingdom, for example, we have the highest prevalence of asthma in Europe and one of the major drivers of that of course is exposure to air pollution”

Stop Killing our Children is the film we made about road danger, including air pollution. Professor of Immunopharmacology Stephen Holgate told us:  “We know that here in the United Kingdom, for example, we have the highest prevalence of asthma in Europe and one of the major drivers of that of course is exposure to air pollution.” 

Hear more on this important subject by watching our film in full.

The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance, travel insurance, breakdown cover  and home insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.