Recreational physical activity and the problem of particulate matter air pollution

Abstract

Studies reveal the negative impact of exposure to particulate air pollution on human health, especially on respiratory and circulatory systems. At the same time the beneficial effects of maintaining adequate level of physical activity are well known. In this review author presents analysis of chosen current articles about health effects of recreational physical activity in the environment of high level of ambient particulate matter air pollution. Available data suggests that there are complex relations between physical activity and exposure to air pollution. The direct positive effects of recreational physical activity include decrease of diastolic blood pressure and bronchial dilatation. It is proven that particulate air pollution show contrary impact on respiratory and cardiovascular systems. The mechanisms of this influence consist of induction of inflammation in respiratory epithelial cells, increase of oxidative stress and alterations in autonomic nervous system regulation. Changes induced by air pollution, expressed by the decrease of spirometry parameters (most commonly FEV1 decrease) were observed even in young and healthy adults doing recreational physical activity. Nevertheless, several studies suggest modulatory impact of physical exercises, which may limit the pro-inflammatory influence of particulate air pollution. Less expressed short-term negative effects of exposure have been observed in people doing physical exercise in comparison to those being inactive at the same time. In addition, apart from direct health effects, air pollution may also discourage exposed people from doing physical activity. Therefore, balanced choices regarding physical activity are needed, in order to decrease the negative impact of exposure to air pollution, without limiting the positive impact of physical activity. Still, new research is needed in order to fully explain relations between physical activity and exposure to air pollution. This will allow to elaborate physical activity guidelines including current air pollution level, better risk communication and promotion of safe ways of exercise.

Keywords: air pollution; particulate matter; physical activity; recreation.