Association Between Covid-19 Severity And Residing In High Lead Level Locations

This 2021 retrospective study explored the association between patients that resided in high lead-exposed areas and Covid-19 severity.

Adults that resided within a metropolitan area hospitalized with Covid-19 at a community hospital between January 2020 and November 2020 were included in the study. Data including patient's age, sex, length of stay, and co-morbid conditions were extracted from the hospital electronic health record. The patients were classified according to severity of disease based on a Covid Severity Index (qCSI) score, using patient's vitals upon admission. Patient locations were classified per EPA mapping for lead exposure from water pipes.

The qCSI score was significantly higher in the high exposure group, with a mean of 4.6 (SD = 4.4), than the low exposure group, which had a mean of 2.1 (SD = 3.2) (p = 0.004). The median risk stratification levels differed significantly (p = 0.006). Length of stay was also significantly greater in the high exposure group, mean 11.4 (SD 10.7), then in the low exposure group, mean 6.2 (SD = 7.2) (p = 0.01).

This study demonstrated an association between Covid-19 severity and patients that have had high lead level exposure. Further research is needed to explore this possible association, such as studies involving larger datasets.