Smoke Prompts 5th 'Spare The Air' Alert For Bay Area

BAY AREA, CA – Smoke from wildfires throughout the region combined with smog from vehicles on the roadways prompted the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to issue a "Spare the Air" alert for Wednesday – the fifth for smog this year. An air quality advisory is also in effect through Thursday in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Also see: Wildfire Smoke Prompts Air Quality Advisory

"Air quality in our region is being threatened for two reasons – smoke from wildfires and smog from cars on our roadways," Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, said in a statement.

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

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

"We can reduce poor air quality by not contributing to it – carpooling, taking transit and working from home help reduce overall air pollution and protect the health of those already struggling from the effects of wildfire smoke," Broadbent said.

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.

Residents who see or smell smoke in their immediate area should stay indoors, if possible, with windows and doors closed until smoke levels subside, air district officials said. Set air conditioning units and car vent systems to re-circulate to prevent outside air from coming inside.

Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a scratchy throat and irritated sinuses. Elevated particulate matter in the air can trigger wheezing in people who suffer from asthma, emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Click here for real-time air quality readings.

Image via Shutterstock