How to minimise the amount of polluted air you inhale while exercising
In general, the benefits of exercise outweigh the risks from air pollution. But there are steps we can take to minimise our exposure. I was waiting to cross the road during a recent morning run when a van pulled up beside me. I couldn’t help but inhale a thick plume of exhaust smoke. As a […] The post How to minimise the amount of polluted air you inhale while exercising appeared first on The…
Exercising in polluted city environments comes with risks, but the benefits of physical activity usually outweigh those risks. Air pollution can lead to various health issues like heart disease, respiratory problems, cancer, and even early death. The World Health Organization estimates that 99% of the global population breathes in polluted air, causing 6.7 million premature deaths annually.
A key pollutant is PM 2.5, tiny particles that penetrate deep into our lungs and bloodstream, and can even reach the brain. Another pollutant is nitrogen dioxide, which increases the risk of Parkinson's disease. Other harmful substances include sulphur dioxide, ammonia, carbon monoxide, and ground-level ozone.
Despite these risks, studies suggest that the health benefits of exercising in polluted cities can actually help protect our bodies from the pollutants. A 2016 study found that the advantages of walking and cycling outweigh the harms of dirty air, except in exceptionally high pollution levels. Even in polluted areas, regular exercise can reduce the risk of early death by 26%, compared to inactivity.
To minimise exposure while exercising in urban areas, consider finding less congested routes or side streets, avoiding rush hour, and monitoring local air quality indexes. If you have existing health conditions like asthma or cardiovascular disease, take extra precautions. In summary, while exercising in polluted environments does carry risks, the physical benefits often make it a worthwhile activity, provided you take steps to reduce your exposure to harmful pollutants.
Written by urgent.news from The Chronicle Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
