My Smokey Non-smoking Lungs

The American Lung Association warns that breathing polluted air can seriously harm your health and even shorten your life. Athletes are especially susceptible to the dangers of air pollution due to the increased amount of air they breathe in and out while running.

Commonsense advice on avoiding high levels of air pollution, especially on days when pollution levels are critical, includes the following:

• It is better to run earlier in the day, when heat and pollution levels are at their lowest.

• Cut back on the intensity of your run. If you race on a day with high pollution levels, make it an easy fun run instead of an all-out effort; there will be other days to try for a personal record.

• Find some green space like a park for your runs. Side streets with less traffic are another alternative to busy roads, particularly during evening rush hour.


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