Lockdowns lead to a significant drop in asthma emergencies due to cleaner air

A study from Oxford reveals a notable decrease in asthma-related hospital admissions in 2020, linking it to the reduction of air pollution amid COVID-19 lockdowns.

Gary Fuller reports for The Guardian.

In short:

• Emergency admissions for asthma in Oxford fell by 41% in 2020, as air quality improved with fewer vehicles on the road.
• The study correlates peaks in asthma admissions with air pollution levels, pointing to a direct link between air quality and asthma exacerbations.
• Testimonies from individuals with asthma documented personal improvements in lung function during lockdown periods.

Key quote:

“The Covid-19 pandemic led to a unique opportunity where we could study the impacts of rapid changes in human activities on air quality.”

— Dr. Suzanne Bartington, lead researcher, University of Birmingham

Why this matters:

This finding emphasizes the direct impact of air quality on health, particularly for those with respiratory conditions like asthma. It supports the need for cleaner air policies, not only for environmental reasons but as an important public health measure.