'Spare The Air' Smog Alert Called For Wednesday

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

This is the 15th alert issued for smog so far in 2017. Warm to hot temperatures and light winds, followed by a late arriving sea breeze, are expected to heat up Bay Area emissions and cause unhealthy ozone levels Wednesday, air district officials said.

"Cars and trucks on Bay Area roads are the leading cause of smog and greenhouse gases in the region," Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the air district, said in a statement. "There are many alternatives to driving alone and we must make the change to more sustainable modes of transportation to protect air quality, public health and our way of life here in the Bay Area."

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.

There is no free transit Wednesday and there is no wood burning ban in place, officials noted.

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.

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