'Spare The Air' Alert Called For Labor Day

BAY AREA, CA – The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has called a Spare the Air Alert for Labor Day because excessive smog is once again expected in the Bay Area.

This is the fifth consecutive alert this week and the 14th issued for smog so far in 2017. This latest alert was prompted by triple-digit temperatures inland and light winds combined with smoke from fires elsewhere in California and Oregon, air district officials said.

"Another day of extreme heat and unhealthy air quality is expected on Labor Day," air district executive officer Jack Broadbent said in a statement. "We’re asking the public to protect their health by avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day and to help reduce air pollution by carpooling or taking transit instead of driving alone."

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 someone's lungs. Smog is particularly harmful to young children, seniors and people with respiratory and heart conditions.

When an alert is called, outdoor exercise should be limited to the early morning hours when ozone concentrations are lower, according to air quality officials. Residents are also encouraged to consider taking transit or carpooling.

To find out when a Spare the Air alert is in effect, register at www.sparetheair.org, call 800-HELP-AIR, download the Spare the Air smartphone app or connect with Spare the Air on Facebook or Twitter.

Previous:

'Spare The Air' Alert Called For Sunday

Third Consecutive 'Spare The Air' Alert Called For Saturday

10th 'Spare The Air' Alert Issued In Bay Area

Another 'Spare The Air' Alert Issued For Friday Amid Bay Area Heat Wave

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