Health Effects of Ozone
Air Pollution Tips for Exercisers
Why are exercisers at greater risk?
Exercise makes us more vulnerable to health damage from ozone air pollution. We breathe more air during exercise or strenuous work. We draw air more deeply into the lungs. And when we exercise heavily, we breathe mostly through the mouth, bypassing the body's first line of defense against pollution, the nose.
People who already are especially vulnerable to air pollution are even more vulnerable when exercising or engaging in strenuous work. These people include:
- Children
- People with asthma
- Those with heart and lung disease
- Elderly people
How can I minimize my risk from air pollution when exercising?
You can minimize your exposure to air pollution by being aware of pollution and by following some simple guidelines:
- 1. Watch The Calendar
In the St. Louis area, ozone smog tends to be worst during the May-to-September "smog season." Be especially conscious of smog levels during warm weather.
- 2. Watch The Clock
Since sunlight and time are necessary for ozone smog formation, the highest levels of ozone typically occur during the afternoon.
- 3. Watch The Air Pollution Levels
Pollution levels are updated daily on our homepage (current air quality), given with weather reports on KMOV Channel 4, and are on the St. Louis Post Dispatch weather page. You can also call 1-800-LUNG-USA for updated information on air quality.
Air quality is reported as a percentage of the federal health standard for a pollutant. If the current index is above 100, air pollution exceeds the level considered safe. (Click here to learn about the Air Quality Index.)
At ozone smog levels above 100, children, asthmatics and other sensitive groups should limit strenuous exercise. Even otherwise healthy people should consider limiting vigorous exercise when ozone levels are at or above the health standard.
What are some Do's and Don'ts?
If the air quality is not good, here's what you should do:
- Do train early in the day or in the evening (after 7 p.m.).
- Do avoid midday or afternoon exercise, and avoid strenuous outdoor work, if possible, when ozone smog or other pollution levels are high.
- Do make sure teachers, coaches and recreation officials know about air pollution and act accordingly.
- Most importantly, do be aware of the quality of the air you breathe!
Don't do the following:
- Don't take air pollution lightly, it can hurt all of us!
- Don't engage in strenuous outdoor activity when local officials issue health warnings.
Click here to learn how the ozone affects hospital admissions.
