I am not speaking to the business of it, purely the health. It puts you at a higher risk when you play strenuous outdoor sports with this AQI. These guys are young and professional athletes, so I am not saying anyone will be hospitalized or anything, but as I said, this is not healthy. Obviously, I feel much more for the typical residents of the city who may be forced to work outside all day in this weather - and do it day in and day out - especially those who are older and with medical conditions - than I do for the professional athletes. We know that people who live in cities with this air quality have significant morbidity and mortality, which is unfortunate and sad(1). However, the point still stands: I do not believe that this is a safe level of air quality to be playing sports (which is, after all, purely entertainment). I know that in the real world, nothing will happen, and neither side would ever even think of abandoning play, but that doesn't mean it is the right decision. Would high-profile cancelations do anything to spur changes that may improve air quality? Maybe. Probably not. But I am still saddened by it, mainly for the old, the sick, and the very young.
1. Air Pollution and Cigarette Equivalence (
https://berkeleyearth.org/air-pollution-and-cigarette-equivalence/)