Understanding Disparities in COVID-19 Mortality and the Role of Short- and Long-term Air Pollution Exposure

Emerging data indicate disproportionate COVID-19 death rates among members of racial/ethnic minority groups. The contribution of demographic factors, socioeconomic status (SES), population mobility, and environmental exposures is unclear. Using California death certificate data, we will study potential determinants of probable COVID-19 deaths and excess all-cause mortality during the pandemic. We will determine the contribution to race/ethnicity mortality disparities of individual level determinants (e.g., sex, age) as well as contextual factors (e.g., neighborhood SES, time-varying cell-phone based mobility). We will then evaluate independent associations of acute (prior 1-8 weeks) and chronic (prior 1-2 years) air pollution exposure with mortality. The expected outcome of this investigation is an improved understanding of the individual and contextual factors related to COVID-19 mortality. The project will also reveal the impacts of chronic and acute ambient air pollution on COVID-19 mortality. Study findings will have an important positive impact by identifying high-risk, vulnerable communities that can guide more targeted and effective public health interventions. Clarifying the role of air pollution in COVID-19 deaths could be highly relevant to air quality regulations that potentially could reduce mortality.