AIGLE, Switzerland — The governing body for cycling is considering implementing a prohibition on the contentious carbon monoxide rebreathing technique utilized by athletes to enhance their performance metrics.

On Thursday, the UCI announced that the proposed ban, driven by health concerns, will be a topic of discussion during its upcoming management committee meeting set for January 31 to February 1 in France.

The controversy surrounding carbon monoxide emerged during the Tour de France, following a report by the cycling-centric website Escape Collective, which disclosed that cyclists from various teams had inhaled this harmful gas to enhance their altitude training.

Carbon monoxide can act as a tracer, aiding in the evaluation of how oxygen diffuses in the lungs or determining overall hemoglobin mass, an essential indicator for competitive cyclists.

Nevertheless, the UCI raised alarms about the potential health risks associated with repeated inhalation of the gas in environments not overseen by medical professionals. The organization noted possible adverse effects, which could include headaches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, respiratory challenges, and in severe cases, even loss of consciousness.

The federation emphasized that due to these health risks and the uncertainty surrounding the long-term impacts of carbon monoxide use, a ban is justified. However, the use of this method will still be permitted in medical contexts where qualified professionals assess total hemoglobin mass, provided it follows stringent regulations.