22 Jun 2020

People jogging along roadsides is a common sight nowadays and the reasons for running are varied. For some, they jog to lose weight while some do it to achieve other benefits such as lowering depression, stress,as well as to boost their mood.

Others prefer it because unlike a gym, it has no membership or subscription fees.

However, there are concerns that it has a downside, such as exposure to carbon emissions.

Ministry of Health and Wellness, Community Health Services Advisor, Mr Samuel Kolane warns that transport related pollutants, including carbon emissions, contribute to unhealthy air quality.

He noted that the emissions were respiratory irritants and may aggravate asthma symptoms (for people with asthma) and may lead to diminished lung function, when they combine with other environmental factors such as cold temperatures and high humidity.

In an interview with BOPA, Mr Kolane revealed that some studies had shown that there was some connection between emissions and cardiovascular diseases, lung cancers, childhood cancers, adverse birth outcomes, allergies and asthma.

He further said the risk depends on multiple factors such as level of pollutants in the air, length of exposure, pre-existing health conditions and many others. “These emissions affect all people exposed to them and that includes people doing occupational and recreational activities such as jogging, walking and cycling,” he added.

He also revealed that studies had shown that over the long term, exposure to air pollution while exercising, did not seem to reduce the beneficial health effects of physical activity on mortality risk. “Benefits of physical activity outweigh the risks related to air pollution exposure,” said Mr Kolane.

He advised people to keep a distance of at least one metre or more from the road, while jogging and avoid spending more time around traffic lights, since they were emissions hotspots.

He also suggested that people should avoid jogging during rush hour, when there are a lot of cars on the roads. “Choose an alternative, quieter route or another time to be active,” he added.

Mr Kolane said even though it was generally safe to use a face mask while jogging or doing other forms of exercise, it was advisable to use lighter coverings so that breathing was not compromised.

He pointed out that studies had indicated that when training outdoors, people generally feel happier and revitalised. “Although this is true, it is also true that using indoor gyms provides a safer, more controlled environment,” he added. ENDS