Financial Tribune - Scientists and medical professionals argue that there is a potential link between long-term exposure to air pollution and compromised lung capacity, which could make an individual more likely to develop a severe form of COVID-19

Although winter is on the way out, Tehran is still struggling with persistent air pollution. With the coronavirus gaining strength in the country, health experts caution that the pollution can increase the risk of COVID-19 spreading further.

The rapid outbreak of COVID-19 in Iran since mid-February and the increasing number of people with positive coronavirus tests have added to the risk of air pollution.

Some scientists and medical professionals argue that there is a potential link between long-term exposure to air pollution and compromised lung capacity, which could make an individual more likely to develop a severe form of COVID-19, the Persian daily Donya-e-Eqtesad reported.

With 170 new cases of the novel coronavirus reported in Tehran, the capital has taken the place of Qom as the epicenter of the rapid outbreak in Iran.