Ban on use of carbon monoxide in cycling

Why in news?

• The International Cycling Union (UCI) has completely banned inhalation of carbon monoxide (CO) by cycling athletes to improve performance.
• This decision has been taken keeping in mind health risks and ethical concerns.

Carbon monoxide and its role

• Oxygen capacity in cycling:
  • Cycling is a high endurance sport, in which effective use of oxygen affects performance.
  • Some professional teams used to inhale small amounts of carbon monoxide to increase hemoglobin levels.
• Effect of carbon monoxide:
  • It binds with hemoglobin in the blood to form carboxyhemoglobin.
  • The body experiences it as being at high altitude and starts producing more hemoglobin.
  • This strategy could help optimize the oxygen transport system and increase endurance.

Scientific Research and Controversy

• Frontiers in Physiology' study in year-2019:
  • Inhaling low amounts of CO for four weeks was found to improve hemoglobin mass and running efficiency.
  • Conclusion: It may be helpful for high endurance athletes.
• 'Journal of Applied Physiology' report in year-2024:
  • CO exposure can cause problems like headaches, nausea, dizziness, and confusion.
  • Over time it can have serious effects on the heart and brain.
• Ethical and health concerns:
  • CO is a toxic, colorless and odorless gas, which can be dangerous or fatal in high amounts.
  • Ethically it was being seen in the realm of doping.

UCI and WADA action:

• Year-2024: Disclosure during Tour de France
  • The 'Escape Collective' report revealed that several teams were using CO rebreather devices.
  • This device helped the body use oxygen more efficiently.
  • November 2024: World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) investigation
  • WADA began analyzing the performance-enhancing effects of CO inhaling.
  • Consideration began to be made about putting it on the list of banned substances.
• 2 February 2025: UCI ban
  • UCI announced a complete ban on inhaling CO gas and the use of related equipment.
  • The new rule will come into effect from 10 February 2025.
  • Use of CO rebreathing systems and oxygen-CO cylinders outside medical setups was banned.