Exercising Safely During High AQI: Understanding Risks of Outdoor Activity

When the air outside is very dirty, like during smog, it's not a good time to go for a run or a walk.

When you breathe heavily while exercising, you breathe in more of the bad stuff in the air, like tiny pieces of dust and yucky chemicals.

This can make you cough or feel confused right away.

It can also cause bigger problems for your body later on, like making it harder to breathe or hurting your heart.

So, even though exercise is good for you, doing it when the air is bad can make you more sick than healthy.