Rising air pollution and its impact on lungs functioning and performance of athletes in India: A review article

Air pollution has become a significant environmental threat, with substantial consequences for the respiratory health and physical performance of endurance athletes. This review synthesizes current scientific evidence on how the most critical air pollutants, particulate matter (fine and coarse particles), ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide, impact lung function and overall athletic capacity. Endurance athletes are particularly vulnerable because they inhale large volumes of air during prolonged exercise, often breathe through the mouth, train outdoors for extended periods, and are frequently exposed to pollution peaks during traffic congestion, industrial activity, or seasonal smog conditions. Research from epidemiological investigations, controlled laboratory experiments, and field-based observations consistently shows reductions in key lung function parameters, including forced expiratory volume, forced vital capacity, peak expiratory flow rate, and lung diffusing capacity, following both short-term and long-term exposure to polluted air. These impairments are associated with increased airway inflammation, oxidative stress, heightened bronchial sensitivity, and reductions in essential performance markers, including maximum oxygen uptake, ventilatory threshold, endurance time, and overall stamina. Moreover, polluted air increases the risk of respiratory infections and may contribute to long-term structural changes in the airways, which can limit athletic performance and career duration. Preventive measures including appropriate training schedules, the use of air-quality monitoring systems, nutritional strategies rich in antioxidants, targeted breathing exercises, and regular medical screenings can help mitigate some negative effects. However, the findings also underscore the need for more robust environmental policies and athlete-centered interventions. The review concludes by identifying important research gaps and emphasizing the urgency of addressing air pollution as both a public health risk and a performance-limiting factor for athletes worldwide.

This review discusses the impact of air pollution on athletes' respiratory health and performance.