Bike commuters at risk from harmful fumes from motor vehicles, study

A commute by bike  may not be as good for your health as you might think.

New research out of Trinity College in Dublin has found that those who regularly ride their bike to and from work have more than double the levels of black carbon in their lungs. Black carbon, or black soot, has been linked to many respiratory diseases and higher risk of heart attack.

The high levels of black carbon are a result of breathing in the exhaust and fumes given off by cars and trucks on the road, but it’s not only the exhaust. Dangerous fumes are also given off by brakes and tires as they wear. Avoiding riding behind large trucks, which often burn more carbon-laden diesel fuel, is a trick that can help cyclists avoid breathing in the more dangerous fumes.

These dangers are compounded by the increased air intake by bike commuters. When riding, especially when working hard, a cyclist breathes deeper and takes in larger breaths, which include more carcinogens when in areas with smog problems.

In large cities in China, such as Beijing, that suffer with smog issues, many cyclists and pedestrians wear face masks. The face masks can help filter out the fumes, if worn correctly.

Marguerite Nyhan, lead author of the study, suggests cyclists find routes less travelled by motor vehicles. Even if the route is bit longer, the air will be cleaner and your lungs will thank you later.