This study investigated the association between wildfire smoke (PM2.5) and SARS-CoV-2 infection rates in Reno, Nevada during the 2020 wildfires. Using generalized additive models and time-series analysis, researchers found a 10 µg/m³ increase in 7-day average PM2.5 was associated with a 6.3% relative increase in the SARS-CoV-2 test positivity rate. This corresponded to an estimated 17.7% increase in cases during the period most impacted by smoke (August 16th - October 10th). The findings highlight the potential for wildfire smoke to significantly exacerbate COVID-19 outbreaks and emphasize the need for public health preparedness policies in wildfire-prone areas.
Publisher
Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology
Published On
Jul 13, 2021
Authors
Daniel Kiser, Gai Elhanan, William J. Metcalf, Brendan Schnieder, Joseph J. Grzymski
Tags
wildfire smoke
SARS-CoV-2
PM2.5
COVID-19
public health
air quality
infection rates
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