Cold weather is sending more people indoors for their daily workouts, but a new study shows that the air quality in gyms isn't contributing to their members' health.
The study, which will be published in the journal Building and Environment, was conducted in Portugal, which has fitness centers similar to those in the United States. Many studies have confirmed that exercising in polluted air, such as running outdoors in heavily trafficked areas and breathing in large amounts of exhaust fumes, is unhealthy. But there have been few studies that examine the air quality in gyms. Scientists decided to monitor gyms for pollutants during late afternoon or evening, according to an article published in the New York Times.
Monitors measured levels of common pollutants, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, dust, and chemicals released by cleaning products and carpeting, such as formaldehyde.
The results were disturbing. Levels of carbon dioxide, dust, and formaldehyde usually exceeded standards for indoor air quality. Levels were highest during evening aerobics classes, when people were jammed into small studios, kicking up dust and breathing heavily.
To read the entire New York Times article, go here.
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