Balal Oroji - Department of Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Malayer University, Malayer, Hamadan, Iran
Asghar Sadighzadeh - Nuclear Fuel Cycle Research School, Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute, Tehran, Iran

In recent years, Tehran has faced major problems with air pollution for many reasons, andthis issue has become a critical point in most of the days. However, less attention has been paid to theindoor air pollutants in exercise centers and their possible health effects. In this research, it was triedto briefly describe the characteristics and chemical composition of the aerosols present in the exercisecenters of Tehran.Methods: Sampling was carried out by a high volume sampler with a value of 1.5 m3/min. Fiberglassfilters were used to sample aerosol particles. The samples were then studied by scanning electronmicrograph (SEM) method.Results: The results showed that average concentration of aerosol particles in the indoor and outdoorsports halls was 125 and 162 μg/m3, respectively. Therefore, there was a minor difference in the aerosolsconcentration inside and outside the sports venues during the competition period and in the presenceof athletes. Also, chemical composition and morphology of the aerosol particles showed that there wasa minor difference between the atmospheric particles inside and outside the exercise centers. Majorelements found in the PM2.5 aerosol were Si, O, C, Mg, Ca, Mn and K. In general, common major crustalelements found in the atmospheric particles over all the sites were Si, Al, and Fe.Conclusion: It seems that many citizens of the polluted cities exercise indoor because of causes otherthan outdoor air pollution such as lack of time or appropriate facilities. Thus, it is necessary for allstudents, athletes, people and other health workers involved in sports and exercise medicine to knowbriefly about indoor air pollutants and its possible health effects on athletes who exercise in theseenvironments.

Air pollution, Athletes, Aerosols, Outdoor