Air pollution in cities is so bad it cancels out benefits of exercise

New research published by The British Heart Foundation reveals that air pollution in cities is “so bad it cancels out benefits of exercise”.

The study, which was carried out in London’s Hyde Park and Oxford Street, shows the shocking effects of poor air quality on health. Volunteers who walked on Oxford Street had a “worrying increase” in artery stiffness as a result of the exercise.  This is because of the dangerously high levels of air pollution in the Capital.

Furthermore, the World Health Organization warns about the long-term effects of exposure to toxic air pollution and poor air quality. They advise that air pollution is most likely responsible for:

• 36% of deaths from lung cancer
• 34% of deaths from stroke
• 27% of deaths from heart disease

This new study also demonstrates the worrying health impacts of even short-term exposure to air pollution.

Simon Gillespie, chief executive at the British Heart Foundation, also said: “Air pollution contributes to around 40,000 premature deaths in the UK every year, and the extent of its damage to our cardiovascular health is becoming clearer all of the time.”

Consequently, these harmful outside air pollutants seep into homes through windows, doors and other permeable areas.

Therefore properties located in highly polluted areas are also subject to increased indoor air pollution.