AndreyT

Back in the day, not too many people, I guess. But even centuries ago we already understood quite well that people are sufficiently well-equpped for dealing with this kind of situations. Otherwise, we wouldn't be here today. Or, perhaps, we would, but looking quite differently. Anthropic principle, anyone?

As for the knowledge of the instantly recognizable and well-researched model of psychological behavior knows as princess-on-a-pea syndrome... this goes way way way back.

Polaris OBark

Without an internet connection, how would you be able to spread your disinformation?

genejockey 

Centuries ago, when life expectancy was in the 30s..... Yes, let's take advice from our short-lived ancestors. That'll ******g work.

terrymorse 

We are here today because our ancestors lived long enough to produce offspring. That is a pretty low bar.

Today, we can do a bit better.

AndreyT

I'm sure there is a "quality vs. quantity" dilemma hidden somewhere in here, which should make one wonder about what's "better". But I don't think anyone wants to take this topic that far off its rails...

genejockey 

One might even argue that evolution actually has been working against those of us past childrearing age, since clearing out the Olds could increase resources for the next generation, and evolution is really only about who produces the most offspring who produce the most offspring.

So, at my age, I don't expect evolution to have done me any favors.

tomato coupe

Yeah, we should aim for something higher than what your basic rodent easily achieves.

Polaris OBark

For anyone interested, here is an EPA page on atmospheric particulates.

DonkeyShow

Jeez y'all touchy bout going outside.

Polaris OBark

genejockey 

Everyone else is selling poison. Lucky Strike is toasted!

jon c. 

When you think we've reached the point that nothing said online will surprise or amaze you, they always prove you wrong.

AndreyT

Hear, hear! It is as old as the world, though, no need for online access. The surprise and amazement at the "Earth is round" claim, for one example, dates back to far before the advent of any form of electrical communication.

Bald Paul

I think Oregon causes cancer in California.
Then again, just about everything is labeled as cancer-causing in California.

3alarmer 

...sure, quote the EPA. Next you'll probably link to some PubMed research. Don't you get it? All those guys are in on the conspiracy.

3alarmer 

...this is gonna be another one of those threads where I need a cigarette after it ends, isn't it ?

tomato coupe

More likely the kind of thread where you ask for a cigarette and a blindfold at the end.

genejockey 

"To hell with the handkerchief," said Walter Mitty scornfully. He took one last drag on his cigarette and snapped it away. Then, with that faint, fleeting smile playing about his lips, he faced the firing squad; erect and motionless, proud and disdainful, Walter Mitty the Undefeated, inscrutable to the last. - James Thurber

AndreyT

I once knew a guy who smoked cigarettes well into his seventies. (He's still kicking, BTW, in his eighties now. Don't know whether he still smokes, though). When I asked him why he was doing that, he told me that if not for cigarettes and, perhaps, some other unhealthy things he enjoys, he'd probably ended it all somewhere around his fiftieth birthday. I got a feeling that maybe he wasn't joking...

Now, project this to our situation: what has higher potential to do you more harm in the long run? Particulate matter? Or not riding when you ought to? Understandably, this question does not have a definitive answer... but that is only until you start thinking about Zwift. Once you find yourself standing in front of a Zwift contraption, you should just turn around and go riding outside, even at the risk of inhaling all particulate matter of Hell.

wolfchild

Lack of connection to internet would cause more deaths than smog, pollution, bad air quality, cancer and heart disease.

Polaris OBark

372% of all statistics are invented on the spot.

LarrySellerz

For what its worth my road bike has been sitting outside for the past week, and its absolutely filthy, the bartape is dusty like ive never seen. Was thinking it had to be from the fires. I've been riding to and from work, unhappily, and am trying to go slow and breath through my nose. Say what you will about purpleair, but the dust on my bike isn't lying,

Rick_D

The Valley isn't...too bad, we've missed the heavy concentrations so far.

SAQMD
Honestly, compared to the last three years this one has been so much better. The kid goes to school in the East Bay Hills and last year was seeing AQIs up in the 3-400 level. You can't even go outside!

Rick_D

One of these things is not like the other. Judiciously not riding in awful air a few days per year while riding the rest of the year is the obvious answer. Adding those heavy pollution days will be net negative.

Capisce?

genejockey 

Show us on the doll where Zwift hurt you.