Air pollution and COVID-19: what we know, what we need to know

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Chairs: S. Belo Ravara (Covilhã, Portugal), J. Vestbo (Manchester (Greater Manchester), United Kingdom)
Aims: This symposium will present the latest evidence on the potential interaction between exposure to air pollution and COVID-19 risk. It will discuss the research needs in air pollution epidemiology in connection with the pandemic and evaluate the possibilities to use the lockdown as a tool for accountability research, that is use this global 'natural experiment' to evaluate the impact of reduced air pollution levels on health. Finally, the medium- to long-term steps to prevent an anti-environmental backlash in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic will be debated.

Is COVID-19 mortality related to long-term air pollution exposure? S. De Matteis (London, United Kingdom)
Can the Corona lockdown be used for accountability research? Chances, challenges and caveats B. Hoffmann (Düsseldorf, Germany)
Research needs and opportunities on air pollution and COVID-19 F. Forastiere (Roma (RM), Italy)