As 'Unhealthy' Ozone Pollution Continues in Menlo Park Area, Another 'Spare The Air' Alert Issued

BAY AREA, CA — For the third day in a row, Bay Area residents are being asked to drive less and reduce their energy use as a Spare the Air alert takes effect Wednesday.

The alert, prompted by triple-digit temperatures inland, light wind and vehicle exhaust combining to create unhealthy air conditions in the region, is the 11th of the summer season.

"Concentrations of ground-level ozone pollution are forecast to be unhealthy tomorrow," the Bay Area Air Quality Management District said Tuesday afternoon.

Smoke from the Soberanes Fire in Monterey County is also expected to impact the Bay Area's air quality over the next several days, air district officials said.

"It's important that residents take precautions to protect their health by avoiding outdoor activities, especially when they can smell smoke, and avoid driving to reduce overall pollution," air district executive officer Jack Broadbent said in a statement.

The air district suggested taking the following measures to help prevent smog locally:

• Bike to work or around town
• Take public transit
• Telecommute
• Carpool and link your errands to reduce driving
• Avoid using gas-powered lawn mowers and leaf blowers
• Reduce household energy use
• Don’t use lighter fluid on the barbecue
• Avoid using aerosol spray cleaners, paints and hairspray

Ozone, otherwise known as smog, can cause throat irritation, congestion, chest pain and worsen bronchitis and emphysema, among other health problems, according to the air district.

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— Patch Editor Renee Schiavone and Bay City News Service contributed to this report.