Large-scale sporting events, while thrilling and unifying, can have an unexpected environmental impact: they contribute to air pollution. This is a critical issue that demands attention, especially as the world prepares for major sporting events like the men's football World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico, and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The recent study on the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, UK, sheds light on this problem, revealing surprising insights into the sources and impacts of air pollution during such events.
The Scale of the Event
The 2022 Commonwealth Games attracted approximately 6,000 athletes from 72 countries and nearly 3 million people, making it the UK's largest sporting event since the 2012 London Olympics. Over 300,000 spectators flocked to the Alexander Stadium for the athletics events and the opening and closing ceremonies, providing a vibrant atmosphere.
A Mobile Laboratory on Wheels
Dr. Joe Acton, from the University of Birmingham, deployed an electric van equipped with instruments to measure air pollution. Working in a tight and noisy space with limited home comforts, the team faced the challenge of extreme temperatures, with the van's interior becoming very hot during operation.
Particle Pollution Peaks
The study's findings were eye-opening. Particle pollution in the fan areas around the stadium was a significant concern. For a spectator attending a full day of events, their daily exposure to particle pollution would be more than doubled. This pollution peaked before each stadium session and reached a maximum just before the closing ceremony, when it was 10 times greater than other parts of the city.
Catering as the Main Source
Surprisingly, the primary source of this pollution was not traffic but catering, particularly fast-food outlets serving burgers, hotdogs, and stir-fries. This finding aligns with other research, including a study of the UK's 'eat out to help out' scheme, which linked particle pollution from catering and restaurants, especially from frying.
Pollution Patterns
The catering pollution was most pronounced before the opening and closing ceremonies but decreased rapidly as spectators took their seats. A second pollution peak occurred during the firework displays. During the athletics events, pollution levels remained elevated as people frequently visited catering outlets throughout the sessions.
Impact on Performance and Health
Professor William Bloss, who led the University of Birmingham team, emphasized the broader implications. Poor air quality can impact not only staff and spectators but also athletic performance. This is a critical consideration for event organizers and athletes striving for records.
Successful Strategies
The study noted two notable successes in managing air pollution. Firstly, there was little detectable impact from Games traffic, thanks to effective traffic management strategies, including the emphasis on park and ride sites and public transport.
Secondly, the ban on smoking at the 2022 Commonwealth Games events proved effective, with no tobacco smoke detected. This contrasts with a 2012 study at a German Bundesliga football match, where tobacco smoke was the dominant source of air pollution in the stadium.
Recommendations for Future Events
Professor Bloss highlighted the importance of event organizers considering the impact of cooking from concession stands, especially for staff and volunteers who may be exposed for multiple days. With 34 venues in the UK with a capacity greater than that of the Alexander Stadium, these considerations are crucial.
In conclusion, large-scale sporting events, while exciting and unifying, must also be managed with environmental responsibility in mind. The study's findings underscore the need for organizers to address the sources of air pollution, such as catering, to ensure the health and performance of athletes and spectators alike.
