As a physician, it’s rare that I tell people to exercise less. Exercise can be addictive; it nurtures the body and soul. Unfortunately, poor air quality conditions after the wildfires also mean that exercise must be practiced with discretion.
As the wildfires dwindle and are extinguished, the logical assumption is that the air quality is improving every day. But scientific reports tell a different story: smoke-laden air from the fires is not dissipating quickly. Changes in wind and weather conditions can mean that even areas distant from the fires are suffering from poor air quality.
San Diego has suffered from high levels of air pollution for years; the American Lung Association rates San Diego among the top 20 areas in the country for highest level of ozone air pollution and short-term particle pollution. The recent wildfires released even more dangerous chemicals into the air.
While the exact composition of smoke varies greatly, the particulate matter that was released into the air can infiltrate the lungs and cause irritation and disease. The three pollutants most dangerous to the populace as a result of the smoke are acrolein, formaldehyde and benzene.
In the short term, these pollutants can cause symptoms such as dizziness, watery eyes, throat irritation and headaches. Long-term exposure to formaldehyde and benzene has been associated with serious health conditions, including nasal cancer, anemia and kidney damage. Limiting exposure to these chemicals is the best way to prevent health complications.
In the Point Loma/Ocean Beach area, a strong westerly breeze brings fresh air from the Pacific. Unfortunately, the Santa Ana conditions have brought a slew of dangerous pollutants that may hover in our area unseen for some time. The ocean breeze hasn’t been able to combat these conditions, and it may take time for the air quality to improve.
Respiratory problems from fine particulates in the air may not be immediately apparent. The effects are gradual and cumulative. Symptoms may appear days, weeks or even months later. So even if you aren’t suffering immediate symptoms, you should take these steps to protect your lungs from poisonous toxins:
“¢ Observe local, current air quality reports and adjust your workouts accordingly.
“¢ If possible, move your workouts to an indoor gym.
“¢ If you do choose to exercise outdoors, consider lowering the intensity and duration of your workouts.
“¢ For outdoor workouts in unhealthy air conditions (based on air quality index), wear a mask to filter out particles.
There are numerous face masks available, but not all are effective in filtering out particulates. Look for a NIOSH-approved mask with a rating of P90 or above. This indicates that at least 90 percent of the toxic particulates are filtered out of the air you breathe. If you would like to get a mask, contact the San Diego Red Cross (http://www.sdarc.org/) at (858) 309-1200 or [email protected].
Respiratory problems can have many symptoms. Those most at risk are the elderly, children, asthmatics, and those who have previously suffered from exercise-induced bronchiospasm (often called exercise-induced asthma).
Be aware of any shortness of breath or discomfort in the lungs “” including tightness, wheezing, coughing, pain and difficulty breathing. If you should experience any of these symptoms, stop exercising until the symptoms resolve, then take it easier during your next exercise session.
Most importantly: don’t push yourself to work out in poor air conditions.
Here are some websites with current information on air quality:
www.Sdapcd.org
http://www.airnow.gov/
” Submitted by E. Lee Rice, DO, FAAFP Lifewellness Institute at Liberty Station. Dr. Lee may also be contacted at www.mylwi.com.