Athletes face unique health risks from air pollution that can impact their performance and increase their chances of developing diseases. Valérie Bougault, a writer for The Conversation, explains that pollutants like PM2.5, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and ozone can cause respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological issues for athletes. High levels of pollution from sources such as traffic, industrial emissions, wildfires, and indoor sources can significantly reduce athletic performance. Specific pollutants like ozone and PM2.5 can even lead to longer race times and higher dropout rates in endurance sports.
Bougault mentions that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can come from sources like hand sanitizers, cleaning products, and air fresheners commonly found in fitness centers. This is important to note because long-term exposure to polluted air can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, heart disease, and lung cancer. Children and young adults are particularly vulnerable to these effects, as their developing bodies are more susceptible to the negative impacts of air pollution, which can affect their growth and overall health.
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