The American Lung Association has this to say:
If the day’s air quality forecast is code orange [AQI of 101 to 150] or worse, adjust your plans for the day. Avoid long periods of activity outdoors. The health effects of pollution are worsened over extended periods of exposure, and by the deep, rapid breathing that comes with exercise. Stay away from high-traffic areas, and do not exercise near those areas. On really bad purple [AQI of 201-300] or maroon [AQI: 301-500] days everyone should try to stay indoors as much as possible.
Those AQI levels and colors come from the US EPA, and use a different scale than the India National AQI. However, having reached the “very poor” threshold under the Indian National AQI system, that would suggest that it’s not advisable to go outside for any appreciable amount of time, including for jogging.
Thanks for info. The bad part is that it’s not a 1 day thing, AQI is going to remain very poor for few months (till 31st January atleast).
I can use use treadmill indoors but I don’t think AQI is any good indoors as my house is very open and there is no cheap way to make it air sealed. Need to invest in expensive doors, windows and air purifier but can’t because no money and other reasons.
Well, new excuse for me to not exercise 😂
Off topic - Anyone have used air purifiers and how’s the experience?
In canada I’ve seen people biking, and even working out at a gym using half mask respirators with cartridges. I have one for doing certain kinds of work, but they are easily breathable and very lightweight. Just get a cartridge/filter for pm2.5 p100. Your face will sweat, but your lungs will thank you. They’ll be more and more necessary in the future anyway.
I’ve seen this idea in leeward areas of California wildfire smoke, and while it should work, the caution I would give is to either find a mask which has little air resistance when breathing through it, or to be mindful of that restriction and not try to go all-in on exercise. Masks are breathable and effective at intercepting particulate matter, but I don’t think they’re tested for the sort of heavy, rapid breathing from exercising. And the longevity of the filters under such heavy loads is unclear.
But it’s certainly worth a shot. Just make sure the mask is still snug, since a loose mask will diminish effectiveness.
