In the News: Concerns over Local Air Pollution and COVID-19
General Iron's scrapyard on Chicago's north side.
Introduction
Serap Erdal, PhD, associate professor of environmental and occupational health sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) School of Public Health, is quoted in a Chicago Tribune story on North Side residents’ concerns over air pollution and metallic odors from a local scrap metal shredding company, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Erdal cites studies revealing how exposure to air pollution can trigger breathing problems and make it more difficult for people to fight off viruses and other infections.
Selected Quote
As a precautionary measure, we should be doing everything we can to reduce pollution in areas where it already poses a risk. It would be an appropriate response to the pandemic.
| Associate Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences