Air pollution has many negative effects on physical health, but can exercise help prevent its negative effects?
The answer to this question was given in a medical study conducted in the UK.
Research from University College London found that long-term exposure to polluted air reduces the benefits of physical activity.
The study examined data from over 1.5 million adults in several countries, including the UK, China, Denmark, and the US, monitoring their health for over 10 years.
The research found that people living in areas with high levels of air pollution who exercised had a lower risk of death from any cause, including cancer and heart disease.
Similarly, the benefits of exercise on health were somewhat preserved. The study looked at the impact of tiny particulate matter in air pollution and found that it rapidly diminishes the benefits of exercise.
Researchers said about 45% of the global population lives in areas with hazardous levels of air pollution.
They added that while exercise in polluted areas provides some benefits, improving air quality is essential to maximize these health benefits.
The study’s authors believe that both clean air and physical activity are essential for a healthy life.
They acknowledged limitations in the study, mainly based on data from developed countries, and called for more research for conclusive findings.
The results are published in the Journal BMC Medicine.
