Respiratory symptoms in people with COPD worsen when walking in areas with high levels of black carbon (opens in new tab)

Physical activity, particularly walking, is a common recommendation for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, carrying out this activity in polluted areas may increase exposure to airborne contaminants. A study published in the journal Thorax and conducted by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), links black carbon (soot) to an increase in certain respiratory symptoms in people with COPD.