Spare The Air Alert Issued For SF Bay Area

SAN CARLOS, CA — For the second consecutive day, a Spare the Air alert has been issued for Friday because of concentrations of ground-level ozone pollution forecasted to be unhealthy, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

High levels of ozone pollution are harmful to breathe, especially for young children, seniors and those with respiratory and heart conditions, the air quality district issued for the nine-county region. Ozone can cause throat irritation, congestion, chest pain as well as trigger asthma, inflame the lining of the lungs and worsen bronchitis and emphysema. Long-term exposure to ozone can reduce lung function.

The San Francisco Bay Area has been hit in recent weeks with an exorbitant number of wildfires, thus creating unhealthy air among other factors.

Exhaust from vehicles on Bay Area roads accounts for more than half of the air pollution in the region. Residents are asked to drive less to reduce smog and improve air quality in the region. They're also encouraged to consider driving an all-electric vehicle to help reduce the number of gas-powered vehicles that contribute to unhealthy smog.

Residents are also urged to limit outdoor exercise to early morning hours when ozone concentrations are lower.

Citizens may also do their part to cut down on the smog with a change in daily commute patterns by carpooling, vanpooling, taking transit, biking or walking instead of driving alone.