As Delhi's Air quality has been declining daily, with the Air Quality Index touching the 'hazardous' category, standing at 911, going out of the house seems dystopic. Although the importance of physical activity and spending time in the great outdoors cannot be overstated, it comes along with one danger that people living in polluted areas just can not overlook: the quality of the air we breathe.
According to the National Institute Of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), air pollution is responsible for more than 6.5 million deaths each year globally. To understand more about the health risks of exercising outdoors in polluted air, the team of OnlyMyHealth spoke to Dr Rajat Bajaj, Consultant, Oncology, Fortis Hospital, Noida.
Health Risks Of Air Pollution
The primary culprits in air pollution are particulate matter (PM), ground-level ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). These pollutants can originate from various sources, including industrial activities, transportation, and natural events like wildfires.
"Air pollution has adverse effects on the health of anyone exposed to harmful PM, regardless of age," said Dr Bajaj.
Respiratory Issues
Exercising in polluted air can lead to a range of respiratory problems. Inhaling fine particulate matter can irritate the lungs, exacerbate asthma, and increase the risk of respiratory infections. Long-term exposure can even lead to chronic lung diseases, such as emphysema, asthma, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), shared NIEHS.
Also Read: Asthma And COPD Cases Up By 50% In Delhi: Experts Cite Increasing Air Pollution As The Cause
Cardiovascular Risks
Polluted air has been linked to an increased risk of heart problems, such as heart attacks and strokes. Fine particulate matter and other pollutants can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, leading to damage to the cardiovascular system.
According to the National Toxicology Programme Report, air pollution also puts pregnant women at risk for dangerous changes in blood pressure, which is a leading cause of preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal and fetal illness and death.
Reduced Lung Function
Prolonged exposure to polluted air can reduce lung function over time. This can make it harder for individuals to breathe properly, especially during physical activities like exercising and walking.
Since physical activities increase your oxygen intake and make you breathe more deeply, exercising and walking outdoors will make you breathe in double the pollutants you usually do, further hampering your lung capacity.
Compromised Immune System
Air pollution can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. This can be particularly concerning for those who engage in vigorous outdoor activities, as their bodies require a robust immune response.
Dr Bajaj said, "If you have a pre-existing respiratory illness like bronchial asthma or obstructive airway disease, have low immunity, or belong to at-risk categories like old age, pregnancy, or children, then you need to be extra careful."
Cancer
Lastly, air pollution has been directly linked to a host of cancers, including breast cancer, non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and lung cancer, shared NIEHS.
Also Read: Delhiites Can Lose 11.9 Years Of Their Life, Thanks To The Deadly Clutch Of Air Pollution: Study
Protecting Yourself From Air Pollution
Dr Bajaj stressed that air pollution should not be taken lightly and people should protect themselves from pollution as much as possible:
- Check Air Quality: He underscored the importance of checking the AQI before going out and choosing to stay indoors on poor AQI days.
- Use Air Purifiers: Consider using air purifiers in your home to improve indoor air quality. This can help mitigate the effects of outdoor pollution on your health.
- Wear a Mask: Dr Bajaj advised everyone to invest in good quality N95 or N99 masks.
- Opt for Indoor Workouts: If outdoor air quality is consistently poor, consider shifting your exercise routine indoors. Gyms and fitness centres provide controlled environments with cleaner air.
In conclusion, exercising and walking outdoors offer numerous health benefits, but it's essential to be aware of the air you're breathing. Polluted air can pose significant risks to your respiratory and cardiovascular health, as well as your overall well-being. By staying informed about air quality and taking protective measures, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of outdoor activities while minimising the potential dangers of polluted air. Your health is invaluable, so make informed choices to safeguard it.