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SARS-CoV-2 test positivity rate in Reno, Nevada: association with PM2.5 during the 2020 wildfire smoke events in the western United States

Environmental Studies and Forestry

SARS-CoV-2 test positivity rate in Reno, Nevada: association with PM2.5 during the 2020 wildfire smoke events in the western United States

D. Kiser, G. Elhanan, et al.

This groundbreaking study by Daniel Kiser, Gai Elhanan, William J. Metcalf, Brendan Schnieder, and Joseph J. Grzymski reveals a surprising link between wildfire smoke and rising COVID-19 infection rates in Reno, Nevada. The research indicates that increased PM2.5 levels during the 2020 wildfires significantly exacerbated the pandemic, urging vital public health preparedness in vulnerable regions.

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Playback language: English
Abstract
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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