Some pollutants have negative effects on the body. For example, carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the red blood cells and reduces the amount of oxygen carried in the blood. Ozone and the oxides irritate the air passageways in the lungs, while other pollutants irritate the eyes. When exercisers in high-pollution areas breathe through the mouth, the nasal mucosa's ability to remove impurities is bypassed, and many pollutants can be inhaled. This irritates the respiratory tract and makes the person less able to perform aerobically.
Pollutants can irritate the respiratory tract and make the person less able to perform aerobically.
In areas of high ozone concentration, train early in the day and after dark. Avoid exercising near heavily traveled streets and highways during rush hours. Consult your supporting preventive-medicine activity for advice in identifying or defining training restrictions during periods of heavy air pollution.