Over a year since controversy around carbon monoxide inhalation in cycling began, the World Anti Doping Authority (WADA), has announced it will ban the use of the gas for performance enhancing methods from 2026.
Carbon monoxide (CO) inhalation involves breathing in a dose of the gas through a measurement tool called a CO rebreather. The exposure to the gas can trigger hypoxia (a lack of oxygen), which can lead to the release of red blood cells in the body, improving aerobic capacity like VO2max and maximal oxygen uptake. This form of blood manipulation as a tool to enhance athletic performance is to be banned.
