Air District extends Spare the Air Alert for smog through Saturday

Air quality is forecast to be unhealthy through Saturday, July 15. High pressure over the region will continue to produce clear skies, light winds and very high inland temperatures across the Bay Area. These conditions, combined with motor vehicle exhaust, will produce unhealthy ozone levels.

“Unfortunately, unhealthy air quality is expected to continue in the Bay Area this weekend,” said Dr. Philip Fine, executive officer of the Air District. “Enjoy weekend activities by leaving your car at home and taking transit, walking or biking to help reduce air pollution and protect the health of Bay Area residents.”

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.

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.

View press release(141 Kb PDF, 1 pg, posted 14/07/2023).