Air Pollution and Smoking May Increase Coronavirus Risks, Worsen Outcomes
(WorldNews Environment)

Lung damage is the cause of most COVID-19 deaths, and lung damage also is a public health concern for smokers and anybody living under polluted skies. The assault to the lungs in COVID-19 and due to inhaled smoke and chemicals has led researchers to suspect that there is a synergy at work for many with the disease. Diabetes, high blood pressure and heart or chronic respiratory disease put those infected with SAR-CoV-2, the newly pandemic coronavirus that causes COVID-19, at risk for worse outcomes. But beyond these pre-existing health conditions, there`s good reason to believe that smoking and long-term exposure to air pollution also are likely to shift the odds. Researchers, including...