Beware exercising in city air pollution

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

If you exercise outdoors, you need to take care not to be overexposed to air pollution, say the experts.
Of course it is important to take regular physical activity - but, according to doctors at New York Presbyterian Hospital, it is important to keep away from air pollution. Running or walking in city streets may do you more harm than good. Ozone, fine particles and carbon monoxide are known to cause damage to the lungs and increase the risk of hospital admissions among those with known heart or lung disease.

If you can, exercise indoors - especially in summer, when air pollution levels can be particularly high - preferably in a space with air conditioning. A health club with an air-conditioned gym would be ideal. If you do exercise outdoors, try to stick to the early morning or late evening as levels of pollution might be lower then. And do try to keep away from roads with heavy truck or bus traffic - because diesel fumes are especially bad for you.

Source
New York Presbyterian Hospital 2nd June 2006

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