Smoggy Conditions Trigger Spare The Air Alert In Bay Area

BAY AREA, CA — Rising temperatures, light winds and vehicle exhaust will create smoggy conditions Thursday, prompting the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to issue a Spare the Air alert. It is the 13th alert of the summer season.

"Another period of hot weather is a reminder that we need to reduce our daily driving to reduce air pollution," said Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the district, which is the regional agency responsible for protecting air quality in the nine-county Bay Area.

"Sharing rides, taking transit, biking and walking can help make the air cleaner and healthier in the Bay Area."

Spare the Air alerts are issued when smog is forecast to reach unhealthy levels.

Smog can cause throat irritation, congestion, chest pain, trigger asthma, inflame the lining of the lungs and worsen bronchitis and emphysema. Long-term exposure to smog can reduce the functioning of the lungs. Smog is particularly harmful for young children, seniors and people with respiratory and heart conditions.

During Spare the Air days, Bay Area residents are encouraged to carpool, use public transit or work from home. People are also advised to limit outdoor activities.