By Oliver Statham, CTPS

The rise in air pollution is currently attributed to 2 million premature deaths each year, ranking it the 13th leading cause of death worldwide.¹ Children and elite athletes are particularly susceptible to the negative effects of air pollution and so it is vital to educate them on the importance of preventative approaches to minimize associated risk factors, so as to maximize performance on court and live healthier lives. This article will briefly discuss 1) the composition of air pollution and how various components affect health and performance, 2) why children and elite athletes are particularly vulnerable to such effects, and 3) preventative strategies to deal with highly polluted areas.

Introduction to air pollution

Air pollution comes in the form of particles or gases, and is produced directly from a source or indirectly formed in the atmosphere. The level of air pollution can vary dramatically from country to country (figure 1). The World health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines for acceptable exposure to particular pollutants are listed in Table 1. Continue reading →