We have long been aware of the link between air pollution and ill health. 

Poor quality air is inarguably a factor in the increase in respiratory diseases of those living in built-up, highly polluted areas. Recognition of this has led to a number of initiatives worldwide and, of course, an inextricable link has now also been made between the health of our atmosphere and that of the planet in general.

The pandemic has been an incredibly difficult time, but air quality saw a rare win.

One unexpected ‘positive’ of COVID lockdowns was the noticeable improvement in air quality. With working and schooling from home came a vast reduction in the daily commute and a significant reduction in pollution across the world. 

Whilst some indicators of this purification were very obvious (for example wild dolphins seen swimming in the canals of Venice), others were more subtle, but it was clear to see that our outdoor environment benefitted vastly from the removal of traffic and business-as-usual activities, especially in highly populated areas.

Recently completed research published by Scientific Reports showed that the Governmental measures taken to control the spread of COVID-19 between February and July 2020 may have avoided around 800 pollution-related deaths across 47 European cities, thanks to the overall improvement in air quality.

Now a link between exposure to pollution and contracting COVID has been made.

A reduction in disease through improved air quality is perhaps not so surprising. However, another study released by the Research Centre in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine at the University of Insubria, Northern Italy, showed a clear link between living in areas of high pollution and the probability of actually becoming infected with the Coronavirus.

This study found that every microgram rise in pollutants resulted in a 5% increase in the risk of contracting COVID – extremely worrying news for those persistently exposed to high levels of air pollution where they live.

What’s more, the Italian research centre was not alone in reaching such conclusions. In 2020 the Barcelona Institute of Global Health conducted its own study, as did Imperial College London, and both produced very similar findings. 

Action can now be taken on the basis of knowledge.

The research has shown another valuable way to decrease the risk of contracting COVID-19 - by improving general air quality. 

There are many global directives that are working towards this goal but, sadly, the wholesale removal of air pollution cannot be achieved overnight. We can however take steps now to improve the safety of our workplaces and indoor spaces by ensuring that the air within them is kept free from the harmful pollutants which can make us more susceptible to COVID infection.

KSG Health’s Genano technology not only eliminates 99.999% of viruses, bacteria and moulds from the recirculating air but also removes atmospheric contamination down to a nanometre size. This means that it protects on two levels – removing the COVID particles themselves and removing the additional pollutants which are now known to increase our chances of contracting the virus.

Our unique Genano air purification devices really are the only way of knowing for sure that your building’s air is of clean, safe quality. Get in touch today to find out how you can take this easy step to protect those in your care and minimise the risks of contracting COVID-19, both directly and indirectly. 

Please visit https://www.ksghealth.com/ for more information.

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