Spare The Air Alert In Effect Monday In Bay Area

BAY AREA, CA — A Spare the Air alert is in effect Monday in the Bay Area.

Air quality is forecast to be unhealthy because of a high-pressure system that will continue to cause light winds and higher temperatures, according to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Weather conditions combined with motor vehicle exhaust are expected to cause elevated concentrations of smog.

"Indian summer brings higher temperatures which causes smog from vehicle exhaust," said Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the air district. "Help improve air quality by rethinking your commute year round, taking transit or carpooling to work."

This is the district's 19th Spare the Air alert of the year for smog. 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.

Bay City News Service contributed to this report.