Urban air pollutants and COVID-19 (IMAGE) Cell Press Caption Researchers from Emory University found that long-term exposure to urban air pollutants, especially NO2, may enhance population susceptibility to severe COVID-19 death outcomes in the US. Credit The Innovation Usage Restrictions Credit Required. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.