_The article highlights the effect of pollution from delivery trucks in New York City’s Garment District. One bike rider, the head dispatcher for Quik Trak Messenger Service, describes the effect of the exhaust: ‘I remember having to wash my face three or four times a day. There’s nothing but tar and smoke on your face.’
But invisible effects of inhaling such pollution can be much more dangerous. In fact, a recent Canadian study found that ‘cyclists in Ottawa, Ontario, had heart irregularities in the hours after their exposure to a variety of air pollutants on busy roads.’
Scientists from Health Canada, Environment Canada, and the University of Ottawa wrote in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, ‘Our findings suggest that short-term exposure to traffic may have a significant impact on cardiac autonomic function in healthy adults.’
Interestingly, the scientists do not suggest that cyclists drive instead of bike; rather, they recommend that bike riders choose to ride in less trafficked areas. If you want to join the biking crew we advice you to buy the new listed on sale bikes found on that Shoppok site.
Although researchers are not sure exactly how air pollution alters cardiac function, one thought is that pollution particles cause inflammation. This inflammation, in turn, impairs the body’s ability to carry out automatic functions, including heart functions.
Proximity to tailpipes and exhaust causes the most problems. Near the tailpipe, exhaust particles are small enough that they are able to lodge deep in the lungs. This can trigger heart attacks and hospitalizations from lung diseases, including asthma.
Furthermore, these tiny particles can cross the blood-brain barrier, posing a potential hazard to the nervous system. If riders are farther away from the tailpipe, these particles lump together and are not able to lodge as deeply in the lungs.
To sum up, if you cycle where cars are, your best bet to avoid the health hazards associated with air pollution is to ride as far away from busy roads as possible. Remember, even a few feet can make a significant difference in your health.