EVALUATION OF THE IMPACT OF AIR QUALITY AND ITS EFFECTS ON THE ATHLETES' HEALTH
Synopsis
Air pollution is an important determinant of public health, particularly in outdoor sports contexts involving prolonged exposure. Objectives: To evaluate air pollutant levels and meteorological variables in an urban and a rural area and analyze their impact on the respiratory health of football players. Methodology: An observational, descriptive, and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2025
with 63 participants. Environmental parameters (CO, CO₂, VOC, PM2.5, PM10, and ultrafine particles), temperature, and relative humidity were measured, and a health questionnaire was applied. Results: Significant differences were observed between locations, with higher pollutant concentrations in the rural area, although within legal limits. Exposure varied according to training periods, and interactions between location and exposure time were identified. Respiratory symptoms, including asthma, dry cough, headaches, and rhinitis, were more frequent among players training in urban environments. Seasonal and meteorological factors influenced symptom prevalence, with greater aggravation during winter and spring. Conclusions: The findings support the integration of environmental monitoring and preventive measures into sports planning to protect athletes’ health and performance.
