Is it Healthy to Golf When AQI is High?

The air quality index measures the level of pollutants in the air. These pollutants often comprise PM2.5, a tiny particulate matter exposed via exhaust and can get into the bloodstream. Other particles include PM10, sulfur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide.

Exposure to poor air quality can lead to various lung and heart diseases while aggravating asthma. If the air quality index is high, the pollutants present are exceptionally harmful to one’s health irrespective of the activity. 


Sports in general, mainly outdoor, require people to spend a lot of time exposed to the ambient air. Physical activity means that they will be breathing slightly harder than usual. When air quality is unhealthy, there is a possibility of inhaling pollutants that can damage the lungs. The person is more likely to breathe deeply through their mouth during exercise, the air they breathe in generally bypasses the nasal passages, which filter airborne particles.


The case with golf is the same as other sports since it requires ample time to complete the course, and it's primarily played outdoors. Prolonged periods of exposure to air pollution combined with exercise increase the potential of an increase in health problems. It can lead to coughing, chest discomfort, wheezing, breathing difficulty, or fatigue. 


All the pollutants are harmful to human health to varying degrees. Athletes, because of their higher rate of breathing during exercise and increased airflow velocity, are also a disproportionately affected group, according to a study carried out by World Athletics, the sport's international governing body.


To minimize exposure to air pollution, there are various things people can do. One is using digital technology such as an app or a monitoring device. Companies such as Ambee provide hyperlocal and global air quality data that can be utilized in these technologies to help people mitigate risks related to poor air quality. With these technologies, people can:


Monitor air pollution levels: With real-time air quality data, it can be easy to regularly monitor ambient air pollution. It can help people plan exercises accordingly. 


Time workouts: People can also avoid outdoor physical activity or reduce the intensity and duration of their outdoor exercise when an air quality alert has been issued. They can also avoid high-pollution areas with air quality data.


Plan indoor exercises: They can also vary routine with occasional indoor activities, especially on poor air quality days. 


Even the event organizers or the sports companies can use air quality data to: 

  • Predict air quality levels effects and get real-time insights on air quality for safety and to optimize efficiency

  • Use geospatial data to plan an uninterrupted sports season and plan the date, time, and location of sports events according to air conditions

  • Come up with unique ways to properly facilitate golf indoors with facts and accurate data

  • Encourage athletes to avoid areas with poor air quality and suggest alternatives in their arenas


Using accurate data, it becomes possible to mitigate the risks of poor air quality on people and the planet. This may help sports organizers or companies to find ways to save their players while doing the same. Chech real-time air quality near you with Ambee App powered by Ambee’s air quality and pollen data. 
Location: United States

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