Never exercise at rush hour: six ways to avoid air pollution

The filthy air of our towns and cities is increasingly linked to adult ill health and poor development in children. But there are steps we can take to mitigate its effectsLast month, air pollution was named as the biggest risk to public health in Europe. It is responsible for the early deaths of an estimated 400,000 Europeans each year, 40,000 of whom are in the UK. Moreover, the UK, among other countries, regularly breaches EU pollution limits - which are lower than the World Health Organization standards. London reached its legal limit for 2018 in just one month, and a report by the WHO in May found 30 British towns and cities, including Manchester, Swansea, Leicester and York, that exceeded WHO limits.Air pollution has been linked not only to lung disease, but cardiovascular disease, stroke and dementia. Besides that, it has been linked to lower cognitive function, and a rise in mental illness and asthma in children. While it is already known that air pollution can increase the risk of premature birth, it was recently reported that scientists have discovered particles of pollution in mothers' placentas, and that the pollution may have reached foetuses. And, last month, a study found that children in the UK were absorbing a disproportionate amount of toxic black carbon particles from diesel engines on the way to and from school, and even in classrooms and playgrounds. The main solution, of course, is to drastically reduce pollution, but in the meantime, what can we do to protect ourselves? Continue reading...