Dhaka, Sept. 21 -- The health benefits of exercising in cities generally outweigh the risks from air pollution, although experts have warned that choosing where and when to exercise can significantly reduce exposure, according to the BBC.

Air pollution is linked to heart disease, respiratory problems, cancer and an increased risk of early death. The BBC reported that fine particles known as PM2.5 can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body.

People who run or cycle in busy urban areas can inhale more pollution because exercise causes them to breathe faster and more deeply. Nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and ground-level ozone are among other pollutants found in urban ...