Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) impairs the respiratory system and increases the morbidity and mortality of respiratory diseases. Even though aerobic exercise is known to improve pulmonary function in diverse populations, it can lead to an increase in the inhalation of PM_2.5 in polluted environments. We aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise under high PM_2.5 conditions on the pulmonary function in young adults. Nine healthy young men performed indoor treadmill running in both high and low PM_2.5 conditions (59.0 ± 2.1 vs. 7.8 ± 1.0 μg/m³) by a crossover study design. Pulmonary function was assessed by spirometry and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) at pre- and 1-h post-exercise. There was no difference in the response of pulmonary function and lung diffusion capacity to the acute aerobic exercise in high and low PM_2.5 conditions (p ≥ 0.09). These findings indicate that aerobic exercise in high PM_2.5 conditions may not adversely affect pulmonary function in healthy young adults.

Recently, increasing numbers of people have realized the harm that particulate matter (PM) causes to health, especially those with a diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5). With the increasing popularity of wearable devices in recent years, it is believed that wearable technology can contribute feasible solutions to prevent health hazards caused by PM2.5. In order to better understand the public’s needs regarding wearable devices, this study aimed to determine what kinds of PM2.5 wearable devices were needed by the public and the factors that may influence these needs. An online survey was conducted in the Beijing metropolitan area of China of a total of 894 subjects. The results showed that the public’s overall need for wearable PM2.5 purifiers was higher than for wearable PM2.5 trackers. The public’s needs for wearable breathing-zone PM2.5 devices were significantly higher than for any other type, indicating that people care about the quality of the air they actually breathe. It was also found that education, income level, and attitude toward PM2.5 positively affected their needs for wearable devices. In contrast, age had a negative influence on their needs. The results of this study are expected to serve as a valuable reference for related academic and industrial research.