i sense a flaw in the system

[the_siobhan]

The website that cincinnatus_c_ pointed me at will email you when the smog advisory kicks in for your area. I thought that was kind of cool in a Look! Technology! kind of way, so I signed up for it.

It actually emails you in the middle of the afternoon, which although interesting, isn't terribly useful. But the time I got it I'm already at work with my bicycle so I'm kinda committed. (Turned out there was an advisory for yesterday. I rode home anyway, hoping that by the time I get out of work in the evening it's not so bad. Um. Yeah, I was hoping.)

The email includes a bunch of "tips" on what to do when there is a smog advisory in your area. Under Travel Tips the list includes;

-leave your car at home - walk, cycle, carpool or take public transit

Under Health Tips the list includes;

- avoid exposure to vehicle exhaust fumes
- avoid strenuous exercise in the heat of the day

Why are they advising people to walk and cycle if they should avoid exercising outdoors?

Is anybody reading these things?

Comments

[montieth.livejournal.com]

It's probably a difference of optional tasks vs mandatory tasks.

Optional being the ride around town for exercise.
Mandatory being the ride to work to the nearest bus stop.

Short term, you're probably more at risk from trying to take your housemate's bike. ;-)

Any thoughts on getting yourself a particulate/organic vapor respirator for more protection from your smog issues?

[the-siobhan.livejournal.com]

I have a friend who wears a respirator and he swears by it. I'm probably going to go shopping for one based on his recommendation.

[epi-lj.livejournal.com]

I have some issues with mine. I wear it a lot in the winter, but not in the summer because it's REALLY hot and traps a lot of heat and moisture.

[the-siobhan.livejournal.com]

He did warn me that it's really hot. Unfortunately summer is when I need it, because the air quality is so poor.

[epi-lj.livejournal.com]

Yeah, for sure. The reason I wear it in the winter is actually just to keep in heat and moisture -- I mostly wear it if it's notably below zero. I bought it for the summer, though. A couple of days each year I end up trying it just because the air is *so* bad, but I can't stand the heat. If you're less heat-averse, it's pretty good. (Also bear in mind that I have a goatee, so the heat-and-moisture-around-my-mouth might be more of an issue.)

[blackavar.livejournal.com]

Hm. It might be useful to try a half-face PAPR, if you can put up with the looks. They're remarkably comfortable to wear for what they do.

[the-siobhan.livejournal.com]

It might also considerably reduce the number of bugs I swallow on my rides home. :-p