Smoggy Conditions Prompt Spare The Air Alert In Bay Area

BAY AREA, CA — The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has issued a Spare the Air alert for Monday, Aug. 26, the 12th of the summer season, because of unhealthy levels of smog in the region.

A high-pressure system moving into the Bay Area, will cause light winds and higher temperatures. These conditions, in combination with motor vehicle exhaust, will lead to elevated concentrations of smog, according to the district, which is the regional agency responsible for protecting air quality in the nine-county Bay Area.

"As hotter weather becomes the new normal, it's critical that we end our dependency on solo driving," said Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the air district. "Vehicle exhaust contributes to air pollution and climate change, threatening the significant improvements we've made in air quality over the past 60 years."

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.