Spare the Air Smog Alert Extended for Napa, Bay Area

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has issued the sixth Spare the Air Alert for smog in 2012, effective Friday in Napa and the other Bay Area counties.

The Air District recommends residents avoid outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, when air quality is unhealthiest.

“Several more hot days are forecast for the Bay Area,” said Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the Air District. 

Spare the Air Alerts are issued when ozone pollution is forecast to reach unhealthy levels. Ozone, or 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 ozone can reduce lung function. Ozone pollution is particularly harmful for young children, seniors and those with respiratory and heart conditions. When a Spare the Air Alert is issued, outdoor exercise should be done only in the early morning hours when ozone concentrations are lower.

Smog is formed when volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides from motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline vapors, industrial emissions and household chemicals combine with oxygen in the presence of heat and sunlight.

To help prevent smog this summer, please:

- Bike to work or around town

- Take public transit

- Work at home or 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 

Visit sparetheair.org or 511.org for more information about commute alternatives.

Source: Bay Area Air Quality Management District