Air Pollution and COVID-19: Hearing by Santé publique France
Santé publique France testified on May 11, 2020, regarding the links between air pollution and the COVID-19 pandemic. This provided an opportunity to reiterate that the resumption of economic activity must not come at the expense of air quality, a key determinant of health. Santé publique France also urged caution regarding all scientific data produced on the subject since the start of the pandemic, as the data needs to be consolidated.
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On May 11, 2020, Sébastien Denys, Director of Environmental and Occupational Health, and Sylvia Medina, Coordinator of the Air and Health Monitoring Program at Santé publique France, testified before the National Assembly’s Parliamentary Office for Scientific and Technical Assessment (OPECST) as experts on the impact of air pollution on health.
During this hearing, Santé publique France reviewed existing data on the impact of lockdown measures on ambient air quality and presented upcoming research on the relationship between ambient air pollution and the COVID-19 pandemic. Santé publique France also highlighted the evidence needed to draw the authorities’ attention to ensuring that the resumption of activities is compatible with protecting public health, particularly that of the most vulnerable populations.
The research conducted
The Atmo France federation and the AASQAs, regional partners of Santé publique France’s Air and Health Monitoring Program (PSAS), have published an analysis of urban areas showing that a decrease in nitrogen oxide concentrations near major roadways was observed from March 1 to 31, 2020. For other pollutants, such as fine particulate matter (PM), no such decrease was observed, primarily due to the persistence of certain atmospheric emissions (such as road traffic, industrial emissions, emissions from agricultural spraying, and emissions from heating systems).
Ineris, also a partner of Psas, conducted an analysis using simulation tools from the national PREv’air air quality forecasting system. This analysis showed that nitrogen dioxide concentrations—largely emitted by road traffic and industrial activities—were nearly 50% lower on average in France’s largest cities compared to expected levels.
Key areas and lines of inquiry regarding the links between air pollution and COVID-19
Among the issues related to the link between air pollution and the COVID-19 pandemic, two areas fall within the scope of Santé publique France’s mandate:
estimating the health impact of observed changes in air pollution resulting from lockdown measures
the role of air pollution in increasing the vulnerability of certain populations to COVID-19
For these two areas, Santé publique France has adapted its 2020–2021 program to conduct research aimed at:
assess the short- and long-term impacts of reductions in ambient air pollution caused by measures taken to limit the spread of the virus
study the link between long-term exposure to fine particulate matter and the risk of death and hospitalization due to COVID-19
This work will be conducted in collaboration with all partners of the Air and Health Surveillance Program (PSAS) and Santé publique France’s international partners.
Air pollution remains an aggravating risk factor for the population in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
Santé publique France has noted that recent studies, published during the lockdown period, showing an increase in the number of cases and deaths from COVID-19 in more polluted areas are few in number and should be interpreted with caution.
However, data collected over the past 20 years by Santé publique France and through other studies published in the literature on other epidemics have highlighted that short- and long-term exposure to air pollution is a risk factor for acute and chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and that pollution promotes inflammation and weakens the body’s immune response to infections. It is therefore reasonable to consider air pollution as a co-factor in COVID-19 morbidity and mortality.
Thus, and regardless of the many questions that remain unanswered today regarding the links between air pollution and COVID-19, Santé publique France has drawn OPECST’s attention to the potential impact that a sudden resumption of economic activity could have on the health of the most vulnerable populations. Special attention from public authorities is necessary to control emissions associated with the economic recovery and prevent adverse health impacts.
Air
thematic dossier
Air pollution affects the entire population. The levels of pollutants found in the atmosphere are linked to health risks, and any reduction in exposure to these pollutants would be beneficial.
