MPC Member Publications

This database contains a listing of population studies publications written by MPC Members. Anyone can add a publication by an MPC student, faculty, or staff member to this database; new citations will be reviewed and approved by MPC administrators.

Full Citation

Title: Changes in U.S. air pollution during the COVID-19 pandemic

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2020

ISSN: 18791026

DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139864

PMID: 32512381

Abstract: The COVID-19 global pandemic has likely affected air quality due to extreme changes in human behavior. We assessed air quality during the COVID-19 pandemic for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the continental United States from January 8th-April 21st in 2017–2020. We considered pollution during the COVID-19 period (March 13–April 21st) and the pre-COVID-19 period (January 8th-March 12th) with 2020 representing ‘current’ data and 2017–2019 representing ‘historical’ data. County-level pollution concentrations were compared between historical versus current periods, and counties were stratified by institution of early or late non-essential business closures. Statistically significant NO2 declines were observed during the current COVID-19 period compared to historical data: a 25.5% reduction with absolute decrease of 4.8 ppb. PM2.5 also showed decreases during the COVID-19 period, and the reduction is statistically significant in urban counties and counties from states instituting early non-essential business closures. Understanding how air pollution is affected during COVID-19 pandemic will provide important clues regarding health effects and control of emissions. Further investigation is warranted to link this finding with health implications.

Url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32512381/

User Submitted?: No

Authors: Berman, Jesse David; Ebisu, Keita

Periodical (Full): Science of the Total Environment

Issue:

Volume: 739

Pages:

Countries:

IPUMS NHGIS NAPP IHIS ATUS Terrapop