Third Straight Spare The Air Alert Issued For Bay Area

BAY AREA, CA — The Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued its third straight Spare the Air alert for Thursday because of unhealthy levels of smog expected in the region.

It is the 10th time overall this summer season, according to the district, which is the regional agency responsible for protecting air quality in the nine-county Bay Area. Light winds and high temperatures, along with the daily load of motor vehicle exhaust, are expected to cause an unhealthy buildup of smog.

"Heatwaves and hazy skies are a reminder that we need to find alternatives to driving alone to reduce harmful air pollution and traffic congestion," said Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the air district. "We can each make a difference in the quality of the air we breathe by simply changing how we get around."

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.