‘Spare The Air’ Alert Set For Saturday

Saturday has been declared the first Spare the Air day of the summer season, according to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

Air quality is expected to be poor Saturday because of high temperatures and tailpipe exhaust, district officials said today.

“High temperatures and tailpipe exhaust from vehicles on Bay Area roads will combine to create smog,” said Jack Broadbent, the district’s executive officer. He added, "To help avoid unhealthy air quality this summer, we are asking residents to leave their car at home at least twice a week -- take transit, work from home, carpool or bike to work instead of driving alone."

Spare the Air alerts are issued when ozone pollution, also known as smog, is expected to reach unhealthy levels. Ozone can cause throat irritation, congestion and chest pain, trigger asthma, inflame the lungs and worsen bronchitis and emphysema. It is especially harmful to young children, the elderly and those with respiratory and heart conditions.

There is no free transit available Saturday, and no wood burning bans are in place. Residents are advised to avoid outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, and reduce ozone emissions by carpooling, taking transit, biking or walking.

For details on the alert visit sparetheair.org or visit 511.org for more information on Bay Area commute alternatives.

Reported by Bay City News