Athletes United Reports/Articles

“Want to keep your heart and lungs healthy?  Don’t sit next to the photocopier,” Daily Mail, March 15, 2011.

“Effects of Ambient Particulate Matter and Fungal Spores on Lung Function in Schoolchildren,” Pediatrics, Vol. 127 No. 3, March 2011.
This study looked at 100 elementary and middle-school students in Taiwan and found elevated levels of PM2.5, ozone, and fungal spores to be associated with decreased lung function.

“Lung Function and Inflammatory Responses,” American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, January 7, 2011.

Current EPA standards for acceptable ozone levels are 75 parts per billion (ppb), though the standards are under review and and are expected to be lowered.  This EPA/UNC study shows that ozone damages healthy young adults at 60 ppb, the lowest new level EPA is considering.

“Heat Waves Are Bad For (Even The Healthiest) Lungs,” npr.org, September 1, 2010.

“Exposure to particulate matter in traffic: A comparison of cyclists and car passengers,” Atmospheric Environment, Volume 44, Issue 19, June 2010.

Cycling is extremely enjoyable and a healthy and cheap way to get around.  Cyclists should know, however, that because they are exerting themselves much more than if they were driving, their exposure to pollution is greatly increased. This Belgian study found cyclists took in over 4 times the air of car passengers and thus that much more pollution.  The report was summarized in The Times and on grist.org.