People exercising at Lumpini Park in Bangkok. (Document photo)
Experts predict levels of toxic PM2.5 dust will rise sharply, and fitness enthusiasts will find it even more difficult to perform their daily workouts, posing increased health risks. You have been warned.
Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) levels in and around Bangkok reached unhealthy levels from February 1-3, according to a Pollution Control Department press release on Sunday, while strong winds from the typhoon The situation was expected to improve from Monday. South.
PM2.5 levels rise and fall, but remain in dangerous ranges. Toxic dust continues to plague the Thai capital’s air at unhealthy levels, especially for breath-sensitive groups, according to the Air Quality Data Division of the Pollution Control Department’s report. The risk is expected to continue through the second week of this month.
Despite continued dust damage, many outdoor exercisers continue to train in public parks, “most without masks or dust protection,” said a gardener at Chatuchak Park. Charoen Kitwattana, 54, said.
“I didn’t see any difference in the number of exercisers. [Chatuchak] It’s been parked since the beginning of February,” he said.
Exercisers don’t seem overly concerned about dust and the associated risks, he noted, because they can’t be seen early in the morning when most people go jogging.
Speaking to people in the area who exercise regularly, Charoen notes that most people find wearing a mask uncomfortable while running, as it reduces performance and makes it difficult to breathe. I was.
The practice of not wearing a mask while exercising is in line with an announcement made by the Director General of the Ministry of Health Dr Suwanchai Watanaincharoenchai on January 22, when a dust crisis was predicted.
“You should avoid wearing a mask while exercising, as it causes your body to breathe harder and faster, making your cardiovascular system work harder, which can be harmful,” Dr. Suwanchai said.
He added that it is best to avoid exercising outdoors when dust levels are dangerously high, as harmful dust can enter the respiratory system, bloodstream and organs throughout the body. .
But some, like 24-year-old Phishisan Nuaranon, who trains daily at Chatuchak Park and Kasetsart University’s 60th Anniversary Gardens, feel safer wearing a mask when exercising outdoors.
“I wear a mask when I’m exercising to protect myself from dust, and I see it as another way to get in shape,” he said.
While he’s concerned about PM2.5 levels, he said indoor gyms don’t provide a conducive environment for exercise, encouraging people to go outdoors.
Sasiporn Srisuwan (67), who takes a brisk walk in Chatuchak Park every day, is similarly unconcerned about PM2.5.
Sasiporn claims that she has become accustomed to it during Covid-19 and does not feel any discomfort or difficulty breathing when walking around with the mask on. have to adapt and live with it,” she said.
When asked how the park is dealing with PM2.5, she said it keeps dust down by watering it daily.
Some people wear masks to protect themselves while exercising, but Siwakon Satiannekun, who jogs daily at the Thai Sports Authority’s football stadium near Huamak, says PM2.5 levels can get too high. , says, “It’s good to exercise indoors.” another”.
“Exercise outside is more refreshing,” said the 30-year-old. “But when I feel like I can’t stand the dust anymore, I go inside.”
He said stadiums appear to be doing little to protect athletes from increasing dust levels.
Meanwhile, Thailand national football team and Chiang Rai United FC doctor Ekkafob Pianpeset posted on his Facebook page on February 1 that exercising outdoors is still “possible” but “must not be too strenuous”. bottom.
He said that the effects of PM 2.5 are dose-dependent, so limiting the duration and intensity of exercise can reduce the amount of dust entering the body.
“In areas with 200 micrograms of air per cubic meter, it’s safe to walk for 30 minutes,” explained Dr. Eckafob.
“In areas where PM2.5 is 160 micrograms or less, it is safe to run or bike for 30 minutes while keeping your heart rate in zones 2-3. [115-132 beats per minute],” he added.
“Anything more strenuous than this will start to affect your health,” warned Dr. Eckafob.
