Respro® Bulletin Board

Pollution alert system launched in Scotland. Is this what the future holds?

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Respro® UK Ltd

BBC News – Pollution alert system launched in Scotland.

According to this report we should all be prepared for pollution levels to continue to rise. We may be more aware of what pollutants are in the air but little has been done by government, at any level, to affect change. Is stopping exercising outdoors when levels are high the only solution on offer?

Until our air quality improves, wearing a mask while running or cycling is the most effective way to ensure a level of personal protection while continuing to do what you want in the great outdoors.

(First Published;BBC, Jan 2012)

Posted in Air Quality, Cycling, UK | Tagged Air Pollution, Scotland, UK | Leave a comment

How to use the Daily Air Quality Index

Posted on April 3, 2012 by Respro® UK Ltd

Daily Air Quality Index – Defra, UK.

In the UK, most air pollution information services use the index and banding system recommended by the Committee on Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP). The system uses an index numbered 1-10, divided into four bands to provide more detail about air pollution levels in a simple way, similar to the sun index or pollen index.

Click the link above to the Defra website for more detailed information.

Posted in UK | Tagged Air Pollution, PM - Particulate Matter, UK | Leave a comment

Hayfever alert: How to survive the sneezing season

Posted on April 3, 2012 by Respro® UK Ltd

Hay fever alert: How to survive the sneezing season – Mirror Online.

Its two weeks early this year but its here. Yes, the pollen has started our eyes and noses running for the hills already.

In this article there are many useful tips suggested on how to help alleviate the symptoms of hayfever. Of course the one they missed out on was ‘wearing a Respro® Aero Mask’ one of the best kept secrets in fighting allergy symptoms. As your body starts to fight with the foreign ‘pollen’ you put on your mask and breath through the filter thus blocking the enemy from entering. It works every time and there are no nasty side affects.

(First Published: 3 Apr 2012)

Posted in Allergies, Hayfever | Tagged Allergies, Hayfever | Leave a comment

Boris Johnson accused of trying to hide pollution levels

Posted on April 2, 2012 by Respro® UK Ltd

Boris Johnson accused of trying to hide pollution levels before Olympics – Telegraph

It has been known for some time that dust suppressants are being used in London’s pollution hotspots. There are many questions to be asked about health and safety for cyclists and runners who exercise on or near these busy thoroughfares. Can we believe all we read?

Whatever the story, in the end we have to protect ourselves.

Posted in Air Quality, Health Effects of Air Pollution, London, UK | Tagged 2012 London Olympics, Air Pollution, London, PM - Particulate Matter, UK | Leave a comment

Can You Be Allergic to Running?

Posted on April 2, 2012 by Respro® UK Ltd

Can You Be Allergic to Running?| Huffington Post

The video at the end of this article suggest ways in which to alleviate allergy symptoms when running. However they fail to mention one of the most successful ways of dealing with this issue.

Wearing a facemask while exercising or working outdoors will help prevent the body over react to airborne particles, without any of the side affects of medication. Masks also have the added advantage of ensuring you breathe cleaner air into your lungs while exercising.

Posted in Exercise & Air Pollution, Running, Sports | Tagged Air Pollution, Allergies, Running | Leave a comment

Which mayoral candidate will tackle London’s air pollution?

Posted on April 1, 2012 by Respro® UK Ltd

Which mayoral candidate will tackle London’s air pollution? | Simon Less | Environment | guardian.co.uk.

The statistics are alarming. With such a large and ever increasing body of evidence, linking poor air quality with serious health problems, which London mayoral candidate is more likely to do something about it. Read for details.

Posted in London, Research on Air Pollution in the UK, UK | Tagged Air Pollution, Boris Johnson, London, London Mayor, UK | Leave a comment

Exercising Outdoors: How Does Pollution Affect Athletes?

Posted on March 28, 2012 by Respro® UK Ltd

Exercising Outdoors: How Does Pollution Affect Athletes? | Active.com.

Are there are long-term consequences of exercising in air that is polluted? Dr. Morton Lippmann, a professor of environmental medicine at the New York University School of Medicine says given what can be in the air, “people who exercise outdoors should probably be more worried” than many are.

“Fine particulates are definitely something to worry about,” said Dr. Kenneth Rundell, the director of the Human Performance Laboratory at Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania,” especially for athletes, who, in the process of exerting themselves, can take in very elevated doses.”

“Athletes typically take in 10 to 20 times as much air,” and thus pollutants, with every breath as sedentary people do.

Posted in Air Quality, Exercise & Air Pollution, Health Effects of Air Pollution, Running, Sports, UK | Tagged Air Pollution, Exercise, Running | Leave a comment

Wearing A Facemask To Limit Air Pollution Exposure During Exercise

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Respro® UK Ltd

Wearing A Facemask To Limit Air Pollution Exposure Lowers Blood Pressure And Improves Heart Rate Variability During Exercise|Medical New Today

According to data presented at the World Congress of Cardiology (WCC) Scientific Sessions in Beijing,in June 2012, wearing a facemask during exercise to limit exposure to outdoor air pollution, reduces symptoms and is associated with objective improvements in myocardial ischemia, blood pressure and heart rate variability in people with coronary heart disease (CHD). For further information read here.