- The study investigated the impact of long-term exposure to farming-related air pollutants, specifically particulate matter and ammonia, on the risk of COVID-19 infection and death in five Italian regions during the early months of the pandemic.
- Researchers found a 6.9% increase in mortality rates associated with each tonne/km increase in ammonia emissions, suggesting a link between agricultural pollution and higher COVID-19-related deaths.
- While the study has limitations due to its ecological design, the authors advocate for public health measures to reduce ammonia exposure, especially during ongoing COVID-19 challenges, and recommend further research to explore causal relationships.