Air Pollution Kicks Men Where it Counts
Posted on March 11, 2010 - Filed Under Air Pollution, Curbing Pollution, Environmental Pollution, General, Global Warming, Land Pollution, Ocean Pollution, Pollution News, Water Pollution |
Since I bike pretty much everywhere, I spend a fair bit of time sandwiched behind garbage trucks, city buses, and whatever other pollution-spewing monstrosities come my way. Just yesterday, for instance, a delivery truck pinned me in between the curb and a lane of fast-moving traffic. Since I'm working on a magazine story about the growing list of health risks associated with air pollution, I couldn't help but ponder the diesel fumes wafting my way from the truck's exhaust pipe. Should I just keep gulping the stuff down? Try to back up a few feet? Break the law and make for the sidewalk?
Plenty of scientists and doctors have been telling me that there's no doubt air pollution can do a number on my heart and lungs. They have conducted literally thousands of studies that make that point. The reassuring thing, they tell me, is that the risk is relatively small for any single individual. OK, good. Then from the other corner of their mouths they usually whisper: Umm, by the way, avoid exercising outdoors near traffic if you can. And, oh, yes, bicycling in heavy city traffic is probably one of the best ways you can up your air pollution exposure.