Indoor training is an effective way for athletes to build endurance, increase strength, and maintain peak physical performance. Many turn to Zwift, a virtual cycling platform with millions of users worldwide, to make workouts more engaging. Zwift pairs with smart trainers like the Wahoo Kickr, which dynamically adjusts resistance to simulate real-world terrain, allowing cyclists to train, race, and explore virtual courses. Amazing tech!
However, while Zwift and similar platforms enhance the indoor training experience, they also lead to longer sessions in enclosed spaces, increasing exposure to indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). Without proper air quality control, athletes may unknowingly breathe in harmful compounds that impair lung function, decreasing overall performance. These pollutants have no smell or taste, so they go unnoticed in most homes.
Sources of Formaldehyde and NO₂ Indoors
Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound (VOC) commonly found in indoor air, released through two key mechanisms:
- Outgassing from Building Materials – Construction materials, including plywood, particleboard, insulation, and synthetic flooring, slowly release formaldehyde, especially in newer or recently renovated spaces.
- Ozone Damage to Rubberized Products – Ozone, a reactive gas that intrudes from outdoors or be generated by air purifiers and electronic equipment, breaks down materials like rubber mats and treadmill belts, producing formaldehyde as a byproduct.
At the same time, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)—a byproduct of gas combustion—can accumulate in enclosed spaces, further degrading air quality. Common indoor sources include:
- Gas Stoves and Heaters – Burning natural gas releases NO₂, a respiratory irritant that can impair lung function and increase the risk of airway inflammation.
- Poorly Ventilated Garages or Basements – Training in spaces connected to combustion sources, such as gas-powered appliances or vehicle exhaust, can lead to increase NO₂ exposure.
When combined, formaldehyde and NO₂ create a toxic mix that can significantly impact respiratory health—especially for athletes with an increased breathing rate during intense training.
How Indoor Air Pollution Affects Athletes
For individuals training on a bike trainer indoors, prolonged exposure to these pollutants can lead to:
🔴 Respiratory Irritation – Formaldehyde and NO₂ can cause burning eyes, sore throat, coughing, and airway inflammation, making it harder to breathe deeply during workouts.
🔴 Reduced Lung Function – Chronic exposure can lead to airway constriction and decreased oxygen uptake, which negatively impacts endurance and power output.
🔴 Long-Term Health Risks – Both pollutants are linked to asthma development, chronic respiratory diseases, and even cancer in high concentrations.
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality for Optimal Performance
To protect your health and maximize performance while training indoors, consider these steps:
✅ Improve Ventilation – Open windows, use exhaust fans, or install an air purifier with a high-efficiency VOC and NO₂ filter to remove pollutants.
✅ Reduce Indoor Emissions – If possible, avoid using gas stoves or heaters during training sessions, and consider electric alternatives to reduce NO₂ exposure.
✅ Choose Low-VOC and Ozone-Free Equipment – Select training mats, flooring, and rollers made from low-emission materials, and avoid air purifiers that produce ozone.
✅ Use Air Testing Services – Professional air testing can measure formaldehyde, NO₂, and other pollutants, helping you create a cleaner and safer training environment.
By optimizing indoor air quality, athletes can breathe more easily, train harder, and recover faster. This proactive approach ensures that hidden air pollutants won't hinder peak performance or your pursuit of a podium finish.
Test Your Air: Know What You’re Breathing
At Air by CCSquared, we offer precise, lab-tested air testing services for formaldehyde and nitrogen dioxide, helping you identify hidden pollutants in your indoor training space. With easy-to-use mail-in kits and expert analysis, you’ll get the data you need to breathe cleaner air and train at your best.
Take control of your air quality today—contact us to order your air sampler!