Individual and Environmental Risk Factors for COVID-19 Mortality in Elderly in 7 European University Hospitals

Because the elderly account for 80% of deaths from COVID-19 and they may be more vulnerable to air pollution, in this retrospective study we aimed explore individual environmental risk factors mortality geriatric departments seven European University hospitals, between February May 2020. Long-term exposure pollution was estimated through annual pollutant concentrations at residential address over last two years. Short-term variations pollutants weather parameters were also examined a 20-day period before confirmed PCR diagnostic COVID-19. We found positive associations diabetes (OR 2.2 CI 95%: 1.1, 4.4). Regarding factors, no association parameters; however, our suffers strong disparities—such as patient characteristics—between fairly polluted less cities. In order overcome those disparities cities, relationship within each city, but even with high-efficiency modelisation systems, differences too small estimate effect city level. Thus, highlights need improve estimation pollution. To issue, solutions exist such increase number fixed monitors, or better, use markers urinary black carbon passive samplers. Furthermore, underline that outdoor not representative exposure, especially elderly, thus, suggest further studies focus on indoor meteorological conditions, UV, temperature, wind speed mortality. an relative humidity (RH) mortality, influence RH remains unclear, additional are needed confirm potential link.