Long-term exposure to polluted air could diminish the health benefits we get from exercise, according to a new study. Researchers from UCL (University College London) and other institutions analyzed data from over 1.5 million adults in various countries, including the UK, Taiwan, and the US, over a period of more than ten years.
They found that regular exercise reduces the risk of dying from various causes, including cancer and heart disease. However, for people living in areas with high pollution, this benefit was less pronounced. Specifically, they focused on fine particulate matter known as PM2.5, particles so tiny that they can enter the bloodstream.
Notably, when average PM2.5 levels exceed 25 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³), the health perks of exercise diminish significantly. Alarmingly, nearly half of the global population breathe air that exceeds this level.
“We found that exercise is still beneficial in polluted areas, but cleaner air can boost these health benefits,” said Po-Wen Ku, the study’s lead researcher.
Co-author Professor Andrew Steptoe from UCL emphasized that while toxic air can reduce the advantage of being active, it doesn’t completely erase it. “This study highlights the adverse effects of fine particle pollution on our health,” he noted, calling for more efforts to reduce pollution for better public health.
When they looked at the data, the researchers found that individuals who exercised at least two and a half hours weekly had a 30% lower risk of death compared to those who didn’t exercise. But this risk reduction dropped to just 12-15% for those living in high-pollution areas.
For even higher pollution levels, above 35 μg/m³, exercise benefits decreased further, particularly concerning cancer risk. About a third of the world’s population lives in areas with these elevated levels of pollution.
In the UK, average PM2.5 levels were around 10 μg/m³, which is below the critical threshold. However, pollution can spike in cities, especially during winter, sometimes exceeding the 25 μg/m³ mark.
Professor Paola Zaninotto, another co-author, urged that people shouldn’t be deterred from exercising outside. Instead, she suggested checking air quality, picking cleaner routes, or moderating activity on days when pollution is high.
While the research focused mostly on high-income countries, it’s crucial to note that levels of fine particle pollution in lower-income nations can reach over 50 μg/m³, intensifying health risks.
In conclusion, while exercising is vital for health, enhancing air quality is equally important. Cleaner air can allow people to fully reap the numerous benefits of physical activity.
For further details, you can read more on this subject in the study published in BMC Medicine here.
For additional insights, you might explore the University College London site.
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Exercise, Pollution, Cancer, Heart, Heart Disease, Lungs, Medicine, Research
