We’re often told that cycling is good for us – helping us to keep fit and avoiding the harmful emissions that would be pumped out if we otherwise travelled in a vehicle. However, research presented at the European Respiratory Society’s Annual Congress in Amsterdam, suggests it has its downside too.
It finds that cyclists in London and other major cities have higher levels of black carbon in their airway cells – suggesting cyclists inhale more black carbon, which can damage the lungs, than pedestrians.
There is increased evidence that black carbon particles have a number of negative effects, and may play a role in causing heart attacks and reduced lung function.
Researchers compared the lung dose of black carbon in cyclists and pedestrians by sampling a lower airway cell called the airway macrophage. They collected sputum samples from five adults who regularly cycle to work in London and five pedestrians; and found the amount of black carbon in their airway macrophages.
The results showed that cyclists have 2.3times more black carbon in their lungs.
According to Dr Chinedu Nwokoro, one of the researchers, this could be because cyclists breathe more deeply and at a quicker rate than pedestrians; and also because they are usually in closer proximity to exhaust fumes. It suggests that personal exposure to black carbon should be strongly considered when planning cycling routes.
