Heavy smog forecast for Sunday prompts Spare the Air alert

As an unholy trinity of high temperatures, tailpipe exhaust and wildfire smoke choke the Bay Area, the air district is issuing a Spare the Air Alert for smog for Sunday.

Veronica Eady, an executive officer with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, said:

“If we all drive less this holiday weekend, we can help reduce harmful smog and protect the health of Bay Area residents.” 

Spare the Air Alerts are issued when ozone pollution is forecast to reach unhealthy levels. Ozone, or smog, can cause throat irritation, congestion and chest pain, trigger asthma, inflame the lining of the lungs and worsen bronchitis and emphysema.

When a Spare the Air Alert is issued, outdoor exercise should be done only in the early morning hours when ozone concentrations are lower, according to the air district.

High temperatures and wildfire smoke are expected to increase smog build up and the smoke advisory remains in effect through Monday, the district said.