Small info thread on fires+smoke+running!

Is it really that much worse to run in the smoke than hike/walk? Yes. Sadly it is. Here& #39;s why!

(papers/info courtesy of the +1, who works at @LASPatCU & studies this stuff https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🤓" title="Nerd-Gesicht" aria-label="Emoji: Nerd-Gesicht">, photo is our street a couple days ago at approx 4pm https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="😬" title="Grimasse schneidendes Gesicht" aria-label="Emoji: Grimasse schneidendes Gesicht">)

First: Best main metric to keep tabs on?
PM 2.5 (small particles under 2.5 micrometers)

Why? These small particles burrow deep in your lungs & can even enter your blood, causing local & systemic inflammation & circulatory issues.

But they leave, ya? No...that& #39;s why they& #39;re bad

PM 2.5 exposure is one of the leading causes of premature death worldwide.

Effects range from "eye & respiratory track irritation to more serious disorders inc. reduced lung function, bronchitis, exacerbation of asthma & heart failure & premature death" https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3550231/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/artic...

So what about healthy ppl?

“Exposures to fine particles can also affect healthy people, causing respiratory symptoms, transient reductions in lung function, and pulmonary inflammation.” Not good.

Runners, bikers, roller skiers, etc are extra vulnerable.

Why?

1. We inhale 10-20x more air vs being at rest, more air = more particles.

2. You inhale deeper, meaning you bring these particles deeper into your lungs. Remember alveoli, the little blood vessel sacks that exchange air you breathe w/ your blood? They can get clogged+corroded. That& #39;s not great. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4740125/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/artic...

Multiple studies have found even short term exposure can be harmful. We& #39;re in a respiratory pandemic, you don& #39;t want that.

https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/jaha.115.002506">https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/... https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00038-017-0960-y">https://link.springer.com/article/1...

It& #39;s also been found to have negative effects on your brain (deff don& #39;t want that!)

Related: cars are a huge source of PM 2.5, so if you can, run away from busy roads! This is also relevant to how bad it is when ppl stick cheap housing next to highways... https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-014-0222-6">https://link.springer.com/article/1...