Spare the Air Day Called for Monday

A Spare the Air Day has been called for Monday as air quality in the area is expected to be unhealthy, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District said today.

While residents are encouraged to drive less so that pollution levels are lower, there won't be any free public transit and there won't be a wood burning ban in place, the air district said.

"Due to the amount of air pollution we generate daily by driving and from other sources, unhealthy levels of smog are expected to accompany high temperatures,” said Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the air district.  “We urge Bay Area residents to make clean air choices like driving less."

Temperatures on Peninsula Monday are expected to be in the 80s and in the upper 60s on the coast.

As a result, the air district recommends that rigorous outdoor exercise should be undertaken only in the early morning hours when ozone concentrations are lower. High levels of ozone pollution are particularly harmful for young children, seniors and those with respiratory and heart conditions.

Here are some tips to help prevent smog:

• Carpool or vanpool with friends or co-workers.
• Take public transportation.
• Telecommute. Work from home instead of driving to work.
• Link necessary trips and postpone errands if possible.

To plan your commute online, visit 511.org.

To monitor current air quality conditions, visit www.sparetheair.org.