Relationship between air pollution and exercise
Due to increasing population and demand for resources, air pollution is increasing rapidly. Especially in cities like Delhi, where the air quality has become extremely poor. In such a situation, people are considering the advice of exercising amidst the busy lifestyle, but the question arises whether exercising in polluted air is beneficial or harmful. The results of recent studies on this topic are shocking.
Effects of air pollution on health
According to World Health Organization data, about 99% of the global population is breathing polluted air, leading to premature deaths of 67 lakh people every year. According to Professor Audrey de Najel of Imperial College London, air pollution is not limited to lungs only, but it also affects heart disease, diabetes, mental health and fertility. In particular, pollutants like PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide can reach the brain and increase the risk of diseases like Parkinson's.
intense exercise and pollution
When we run or cycle, our breathing becomes faster and deeper. When doing intense exercise, we draw in more air, which increases the amount of toxic particles in the lungs. Interestingly, even people traveling in cars are not completely safe from pollution, because pollutants accumulate there too.
Benefits and disadvantages of exercise in polluted air
Researchers say that despite the polluted environment in many cities, the benefits of physical activity outweigh its side effects. Studies from Cambridge University and Imperial College found that people who exercised in polluted air had a 26% lower risk of premature death. However, in highly polluted cities like Delhi, exercising outside for long periods of time can be harmful to health.
special caution required
People suffering from asthma, lung disease or heart disease should take special precautions. A 2018 study found that walking on polluted streets worsened the lung function of the elderly and respiratory patients rather than improving their symptoms. In contrast, walking in green parks was shown to improve health. Excessive pollution can reduce the mental and physical benefits of exercise.
Measures to reduce the effects of pollution
Some simple measures to reduce exposure to air pollution in cities:
Avoid crowding: By going 1-2 streets inside the main road, the pollution level reduces by 20% to 30%.
Select time: Avoid going out during morning and evening rush hours.
Check AQI: Check your local air quality index before going out.