Spare-The-Air Alert Issued For Bay Area As Hot Temps Result In Smog

BAY AREA, CA — The air quality is forecast to be unhealthy Friday in the Bay Area, prompting authorities to issue the season's second Spare the Air Alert. Commuters are asked to help alleviate elevated concentrations of ozone — or smog — caused by a mix of hot temperatures and exhaust from cars.

The forecast for Friday indicates highs in the 90s across much of the inland Bay Area, with high temps hitting the 100 mark in some places. Temperatures are supposed to continue climbing over the weekend.

“Hot temperatures combined with traffic exhaust from millions of vehicles on Bay Area roads are expected to cause unhealthy air quality,” said Dr. Philip Fine, executive officer of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, the regional agency responsible for protecting air quality in the nine-county Bay Area. “We can help keep our air healthier by finding alternatives to driving alone, such as taking transit, biking or walking.”

Additionally, the air district advises people to exercise during the early-morning hours Friday when ozone concentrations are forecast to be lower.

According to the air district, ozone can cause throat irritation, congestion and chest pain. It can trigger asthma, inflame the lining of the lungs and worsen bronchitis and emphysema. Long-term exposure can reduce lung function. Ozone pollution is particularly harmful to young children, older people, and people with respiratory and heart conditions.

Residents can register for email AirAlerts at www.sparetheair.org, call 1(800) HELP-AIR, download the Spare the Air App or connect with Spare the Air on Facebook or Twitter.