Date
Monday, August 15, 2022
The Air District is issuing the third Spare the Air Alert of 2022 for smog for Tuesday, August 16. The Bay Area will also continue to have smoke impacts from the Six Rivers Lightning Complex Fire in Humboldt and Trinity counties. Air quality is forecast to be unhealthy tomorrow, Tuesday, August 16. The combination of wildfire smoke with hot inland temperatures and vehicle exhaust is expected to cause unhealthy smog, or ozone, accumulation in the Bay Area. Smoke from Northern California wildfires is expected to continue to impact the region creating hazy and smoky skies.
Spare the Air Alerts are issued when ozone pollution is forecast to reach unhealthy levels. 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 for young children, seniors and those with respiratory and heart conditions. When a Spare the Air Alert is issued, outdoor exercise should be undertaken only in the early morning hours when ozone concentrations are lower.
If the smell of smoke is present, it is important that Bay Area residents protect their health by avoiding exposure. If possible, stay inside with windows and doors closed until smoke levels subside, if temperatures allow. If temperatures are too hot indoors, visit an air-cooling center or other building that provides filtered air. It is also recommended that those impacted by smoke set their air conditioning units and car vent systems to re-circulate to prevent outside air from moving inside.
Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a dry scratchy throat and irritated sinuses. Elevated particulate matter in the air can trigger wheezing in those who suffer from asthma, emphysema or COPD. Elderly persons, children and individuals with respiratory illnesses are particularly susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure.
To find out when a Spare the Air Alert is in effect, 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.
Check the Air District's air quality readings.
View EPA Fire and Smoke Map.
View Wildfire Safety page.
View press release.
Last Updated: 8/15/2022