Air Quality Index Over 100: Unsuitable for Sports

Dr. Mohammad Shariat-Zadeh, faculty member at the SSRI, stated that when the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 100, conditions become unsuitable for moderate to intense physical activity, requiring athletes to adjust their training programs.[web:attachment]

He emphasized adherence to training, nutrition, and monitoring principles during cold weather and temperature inversion, noting that exposure to pollutants like PM2.5, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide significantly impacts cardiovascular-respiratory performance and health.

Health Impacts on Athletes

Athletes are particularly vulnerable in polluted air due to 3-5 times higher pulmonary ventilation, drawing more fine particles deep into the lungs. This leads to airway inflammation, oxidative stress, reduced maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), increased cardiac workload, and diminished athletic output. Endurance aerobic exercises and high-intensity training show the greatest sensitivity.

Recommendations for Unhealthy Air Days

Shift training to indoor facilities with standard mechanical ventilation.

Reduce exercise intensity and avoid heavy aerobic activities.

Use effective fine-particle filtering masks (e.g., N95 or equivalent).

Continuously monitor AQI levels.